Landscape 1810 - 1883

This delicate graphite drawing titled Landscape was created by Franz von Hauslab the Younger at an unknown date. Von Hauslab, born into Austrian nobility, served as a military officer and cartographer, and was also an amateur artist. This landscape, with its careful attention to topographical detail, reflects von Hauslab's scientific inclinations. At the same time, there's an emotional dimension; one senses a longing to capture the essence of the landscape. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries there was an increased interest in landscape art as well as in scientific documentation. While seemingly objective, landscape art has historically been tied to expressions of power and identity. The ability to map and represent a territory was aligned with colonial expansion and control. By engaging with this genre, von Hauslab positions himself within a visual and cultural tradition deeply entwined with broader societal structures. This landscape invites us to reflect on the interplay between seeing, knowing, and belonging.