Viennese Watercolor Exhibition at Albertina Museum
The Albertina Museum in Vienna is currently featuring 'L'arte dell'acquerello viennese' (The Art of Viennese Watercolor), which runs until May 13, 2018. This exhibition explores the development of watercolor painting in Habsburg Vienna, spanning from the late 18th century to the turn of the century. Initially utilized for scientific purposes, it later became favored by the bourgeoisie. Balthasar Wigand served the middle class, while notable artists such as Heinrich Friedrich Füger, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, and Rudolf von Alt received commissions from the aristocracy. Füger and Waldmüller focused on ivory grounds, while Fendi painted the imperial children. Rudolf von Alt was renowned for his depictions of palace interiors and landscapes, and Archduke John of Habsburg captured mountain scenes. The final representatives of this tradition were Anton Romako and August von Pettenkofen. The exhibition features pieces from the Albertina's collection.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'L'arte dell'acquerello viennese' at Albertina Museum, Vienna, until May 13, 2018.
- Watercolor in Vienna spread from late 18th century, aided by imperial family appreciation.
- Initially used for scientific documentation of exotic plants.
- Balthasar Wigand serialized watercolor for middle-class tastes.
- Heinrich Friedrich Füger, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, Peter Fendi, Moritz Michael Daffinger, Rudolf von Alt painted aristocratic portraits.
- Rudolf von Alt introduced 'non finito' style and painted interior views of Liechtenstein palace.
- Thomas Ender documented Brazilian landscapes after 1817 trip.
- Archduke John of Habsburg became watercolorist in Styria after renouncing title.
- August von Pettenkofen depicted military scenes and Gypsy life, influenced by Barbizon.
- Anton Romako used exotic animals and dynamic strokes, later abandoned watercolor for oil.
Entities
Artists
- Balthasar Wigand
- Heinrich Friedrich Füger
- Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller
- Peter Fendi
- Moritz Michael Daffinger
- Rudolf von Alt
- Thomas Ender
- Archduke John of Habsburg
- Anna Plochl
- Karl Russ
- Johann Kniep
- Jakob Gauermann
- Anton Romako
- August von Pettenkofen
- Niccolò Lucarelli
Institutions
- Albertina Museum
- Albertina
- Artribune
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Styria
- Brazil
- Italy
- Rome
- Capri
- Trieste
- Venice
- Hungary
- Paris
- Campania
- Albertinaplatz 1