Ludwig Gabillon, German actor of the Burgtheater and theatre director 1860

This lithograph depicts Ludwig Gabillon, a prominent actor and theatre director of the Burgtheater, and was made by Josef Kriehuber in 1860. This image offers insight into the cultural significance of theatre and its stars in 19th-century Vienna. The Burgtheater, closely associated with the Habsburg monarchy, was not merely a place of entertainment but a cultural institution that reflected and shaped Viennese society. Kriehuber’s portrait captures Gabillon in a manner befitting his status, emphasizing his respectability and artistic standing. The formal attire, complete with an honorific medal, situates Gabillon within the established social hierarchy. Understanding the cultural and institutional context of this lithograph requires attention to the history of the Burgtheater, the role of patronage in the arts, and the social function of portraiture. It's through such research that we come to understand the intricate connections between art, power, and society.