Portret van Rudolf von Alt 1880 - 1920

Ferdinand Schmutzer created this portrait of Rudolf von Alt using etching, likely in Vienna, Austria, in the early 20th century. Schmutzer, a well-known portraitist in Austrian society, captures Alt, an older gentleman, in a moment of contemplation. This work invites us to consider the role of portraiture in constructing and reinforcing social hierarchies. The choice of etching as a medium, with its capacity for detailed representation, speaks to a desire for authenticity and individuality. In a society marked by rigid class distinctions, portraits like this served to solidify the status of prominent individuals, while also hinting at the inner lives of the sitters. To fully appreciate the portrait of Rudolf von Alt, one can turn to archival sources, such as exhibition catalogues, and biographical accounts of both the artist and his subject, shedding light on the complex social dynamics of the time.