Karl Friedrich Gauss. Artwork of the German mathematician Karl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855). He is seen here on the terrace of the Observatory at Gottingen University, Germany. Gauss was a child prodigy from a poor family, his education was paid for by the Duke of Brunswick. He contributed to all areas of mathematics. The value of much of his work was only realised after his death. Some of his genius was recognised during his lifetime when in 1801, he won fame by calculating the orbit of Ceres. This led to the rediscovery of the asteroid. In 1807, Gauss was appointed professor of mathematics and observatory director at Gottingen. He held both posts until his death.