He was born in Haina as the fourth son of the baker, Johann Heinrich Tischbein (1682–1784), five of whose eight children became painters. After a short time at school, he worked as a carpenter in Frankfurt.[1] Later, he went to Paris to learn the art of wallpaper painting, which was very popular among the aristocracy at that time. When his studies were completed, he set up a studio in Frankfurt.
In 1749, he and his brother Johann Heinrich took a study trip to Italy. For many years thereafter, he created oil paintings based on the sketches and watercolors made during that trip.
In 1764, he moved to Hamburg, opened a private art school and was married in 1766.[1] Five years later, he wrote a textbook on painting (Unterricht zu gründlicher Erlernung der Malerey) which, in 1780, earned him a place as an instructor at the Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums.[1] He also painted several murals at Wandsbek Castle, which was demolished in 1861.
He died in 1784 in Hamburg. A street is named after him in the city's Barmbek-Nord district.
