Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder
Paper Manufacturer Ignaz Theodor Pachner of Eggenstorf (1760–1814), in the background the Klein-Neusiedl paper-mill

1801
Roland Collection

The painting of the paper manufacturer is a classic status portrait. This is borne out by Pachner’s pose, pointing to the factory building in the background, and by the family coat of arms painted bottom left; the inscription FUNDATOR NEUSIDLII VINDOB: 1801 explains: Pachner was the founder of the paper factory in Klein-Neusiedl, south-east of Vienna. For this painting, Johann Baptist Lampi the Elder, who otherwise worked for the high aristocracy, used the combination of portrait and factory building as a narrative. The factory had been built, starting in 1793, on a extensive plot of land beside the River Fischa, which flows into the Danube a little to the north. In addition, the company owner built several residential buildings to house the majority of his 350 employees and their families. The company was a huge success, for in less than ten years Klein-Neusiedl was producing the paper for all the banknotes of the “k. k. priv. Nationalbank”.