Selbstporträt in jungen Jahren 1828

This is a self-portrait made by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, but the date is unknown. Waldmüller, an Austrian painter, presents himself as a refined gentleman amidst a romantic landscape. Waldmüller lived during a time of significant social change in Austria, marked by the rise of the middle class and increasing demands for political reform. His detailed realism, visible in the textures of his clothing, departed from the idealized portrayals favored by the aristocracy. This choice aligned with a growing appreciation for nature and the everyday life of common people. His later works, particularly genre scenes depicting rural life, were not always well-received by the Viennese art establishment, which favored more academic styles. It's interesting to consider how Waldmüller’s self-representation reflects his own aspirations and social positioning within the cultural landscape of 19th-century Austria. Examining archival documents from the Academy of Fine Arts would tell us more about the politics of art in Waldmüller’s time.