Studie zur ‘Rückkehr des Kaisers Franz aus Pressburg’ 1828

Johann Peter Krafft made this study for ‘The Return of Emperor Franz from Pressburg’ using pencil on paper. Krafft was working in the shadow of the Napoleonic wars, and this image represents the figure of Emperor Franz I of Austria. The image must be understood in relation to the wider iconography of power in early 19th century Europe and it's place within the institution of the monarchy. Royal portraiture served as a potent tool for shaping public perception and reinforcing the legitimacy of the monarchy. Krafft shows the figure in profile, perhaps alluding to ancient coinage with its connotations of state power. But unlike those ancient images, Krafft presents us with a naturalistic and human portrayal. Art historians can look to sources from the period, such as court documents and popular press, to understand how leaders wished to present themselves to the public. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can better understand the politics of imagery.