Portret van Johann Kaspar von Seiller 1850

This is Franz Eybl’s portrait of Johann Kaspar von Seiller. The lithograph captures Seiller, who was the mayor of Vienna, in a pose that exudes authority and refinement. During the 19th century, Vienna was a city undergoing rapid transformation, marked by industrialization and social change. Seiller, as mayor, was at the center of navigating these shifts while representing the interests of Vienna's elite. His portrait then, would have played a role in constructing and reinforcing his public image as a capable and dignified leader. The image is not just a depiction of an individual, but also a reflection of the values and power structures of Viennese society at the time. Note how his confident gaze and formal attire subtly communicate messages about class, status, and the consolidation of political power. Eybl captures the essence of a man whose identity was deeply intertwined with the political landscape of his era.