Anton Bernhard Fürstenau, German flutist and composer 1830

This lithograph by Josef Kriehuber immortalizes Anton Bernhard Fürstenau, a celebrated German flutist and composer. It speaks to the cultural landscape of 19th-century Europe, where musical talent was highly prized and connected to political power. Fürstenau’s title, “Erster Flötist S. Majestät des Königs von Sachsen” or "First Flautist of His Majesty the King of Saxony" is proudly displayed beneath the image. Consider the patronage system of the time, where artists and musicians relied on wealthy benefactors, often members of the aristocracy or royalty, for financial support and career advancement. This print, made in Vienna, likely circulated among Fürstenau’s admirers and fellow musicians, reinforcing his status within the artistic community. The lithograph itself functioned as a form of social currency, a symbol of cultural capital. To truly understand this image, we must delve into archival records, concert programs, and biographical accounts. These resources reveal the complex web of social relationships and institutional structures that shaped Fürstenau's career and Kriehuber's art.