He took part in the political activities of the Vormärz, and was one of the first painters in Germany to produce art with social commentary. He became a member of the anti-academic artist's association, "Crignic", which gave rise to the organization known as "Malkasten" (Paintbox) and. from 1847, was a contributor to the satirical "". When the revolution of 1848 broke out, he became a deputy platoon leader for the vigilance committee.