Kopfstudie zur ‘Szene aus dem Tiroler Freiheitskampf’ 1840

Johann Peter Krafft created this head study for a history painting of the Tyrolean Rebellion. The ‘Tyrolean Rebellion’ refers to the uprising in 1809 in the County of Tyrol, a region within the Austrian Empire, against occupying Napoleonic forces. Andreas Hofer, a Tyrolean innkeeper, led the rebels who sought to restore Austrian rule. Krafft’s image presents a romantic vision of Tyrolean identity. The hat, beard, and determined gaze evoke a sense of rugged independence. Krafft’s image of the Tyrolean Rebellion exemplifies the 19th-century concern with questions of nationhood and identity. At this time, many regions sought unification and self-determination. Here, it suggests a larger narrative of resistance against foreign domination. To better understand Krafft's political vision, historians consult a wide range of sources, including political pamphlets, popular songs, and military records. These resources provide valuable context for understanding how art engages with the struggles of its time.