Johann Jakob Schwartz von Mohrenstern 1837

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller painted this oil portrait of Johann Jakob Schwartz von Mohrenstern in Austria. Waldmüller's career shows us how artistic styles and institutions were shifting in the 19th century. He advocated for painting directly from nature, in contrast to the academic style taught in art academies. Here, notice the realism with which Waldmüller captures his subject, down to the last detail, perhaps a result of his naturalistic approach. Yet, as a portrait, the painting also engages with established social conventions. The painting reinforces the sitter's status through his clothing and pose. To understand this work fully, we might research the social hierarchy of 19th-century Austria and the role of portraiture in defining and maintaining social status. We might also look into the institutions of art at the time, such as the Academy, and how artists like Waldmüller challenged them.