Alois Schönn was born in 1826 and died 1897.  Born in Vienna, Alois Schönn studied the technique of engraving from 1841-42 and history painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna under the guidance of Joseph von Führich and Eduard van der Nüll from 1845-48.  He painted his first battle paintings during the Italian campaign.  In the course of his many trips, he specialized in oriental genre scenes.