Putting a face to an epoch of change.
19th-century Austrian portraiture underwent a process of democratisation which led to a variety of expressive forms in painting – from the portrayal of rulers to the increasing representation of members of the bourgeoisie. This trend of having portraits painted offered a means of self-presentation, and the resulting works are remarkable for their wealth of painting styles, types and techniques.
The exhibition includes portraits of rulers, families, children, men, women, studio scenes and self-portraits. The subjects are presented as they wished to be seen. This development was further encouraged during the 1860s with the advent of photography, and is currently finding new manifestations in self-staging on Instagram etc. Today, the portrait in its various facets is a constant accompaniment, right up to the image in a passport or driving licence for purposes of identification.
Curators: Astrid Ducke, Thomas Habersatter
Artists
Adams, Aigner, von Amerling, von Angeli, von Blaas, Daffinger,
Einsle, Fertbauer, Granitsch, Klimt, Kokoschka, Koppay, Krafft,
Krämer, Kreutzinger, von Lampi d. Ä., List, Makart, von Matsch,
Nesselthaler, Reiter, Ritter, Romako, Schider, Temple, Waldmüller,
Weikert, Zeller
The exhibition catalogue (€ 19.-) is available in the museum shop and online at shop.domquartier.at.