Josefine Schwartz von Mohrenstern, geb. Vicomtesse Goupy de Quabeck 1837

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller painted this oil on canvas portrait of Josefine Schwartz von Mohrenstern, geb. Vicomtesse Goupy de Quabeck, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Waldmüller was a famous Austrian painter, and you can see here the institutional forces at play that shaped his art. This portrait exudes wealth and privilege, as one might expect from its subject, an Austrian noblewoman. Look closely and you'll see the fine details of her expensive lace bonnet, the gold jewelry, and patterned shawl draped carefully across her lap. These details help to convey a sense of status and belonging in Austrian high society. Waldmüller was the portraitist of choice for the aristocracy and his style reflected the conservative tastes of the time. To better understand this artwork, we might consult genealogical records, historical fashion trends, and studies of patronage in the Austrian art world. These are just some of the resources that help us to appreciate the social context that shaped this image.