Johann Peter Schwanthaler was the son of Johann Franz. Under his leadership, the family business began to turn a profit again. His career as a sculptor began in the golden age of Rococo. He ran the sculptors workshop on Priesterzeile, now known as Schwanthalergasse, for 30 years. He saw the political change and in 1779 he became an Austrian rather than a Bavarian subject. Johann Peter was strongly influenced by Josephinism, the domestic policies of Joseph II. Under the motto, “Everything for the people; nothing by the people”, control and bureaucracy were strengthened and the church was reformed. These circumstances influenced Johann Peter’s development as an artist. The early classical period was beginning, with its simpler shapes and cleaner lines. New clients were emerging: Johann Peter the Elder produced nativity figures, family altars and crucifixes for the middle classes and wealthy farmers. Up to four members of the family worked as wood-carvers in Ried and the surrounding area.