Heinrich Justus Schneider (1811-84) studied under Julius Schnorr at the Academy in Munich. He then spent some time in Belgium, went to Rome in 1843 and settled in Gotha in 1849. His many watercolours in the Royal Collection record landscape views of Gotha and the ducal residences, as well as special occasions involving Prince Albert's relatives. This painting shows the unveiling of the Prince Consort's statue at Coburg in August 1865 and was purchased by Queen Victoria on 20 June 1866.