Conrad Kiesel (1846-1921) was born in Düsseldorf. In Berlin, he received formal training as a sculptor under Fritz Schaper. His subsequent career was spilt between Berlin and Munich, establishing a formidable reputation as both sculptor and painter. As a member of the Berlin Academy from 1892, he was noted for his portraits and genre pieces, the latter often drawing on the perceived exoticism of Southern and Eastern cultures. Also see R. Röntgen, Meissen Porcelain, Atglen, PA, 1996, p. 322 for a listing of Independent Porcelain Painting Shops and Porcelain Painters in Dresden between 1855-1944 including Zapf.