Carl Malchin was born on May 14, 1838, in Kröpelin, as the son of a senator. He passed away on January 23, 1923, in Schwerin. Initially, he pursued studies to become a land surveyor. However, he also dedicated his free time to his artistic ambitions, sketching, drawing, and experimenting with painting, mainly focusing on landscapes. His works gained recognition and sometimes even caused a stir. Theodor Schloepke took notice of him, supported him, and secured a scholarship for him, enabling him to study at the Art School in Weimar for several years.

After his studies, he was appointed as a restorer at the Grand Ducal Picture Gallery, a position he held until 1915. Although Malchin initially showed little interest in plein air painting, his work was groundbreaking for landscape painters in Mecklenburg. Few artists captured the diverse and true-to-life depiction of Mecklenburg's landscapes as he did. This led to him being awarded the title of professor in 1890. The State Museum in Schwerin is fortunate to possess such an impressive variety of landscape paintings from Carl Malchin's estate.