Wladislaw I 1828

Josef Kriehuber made this print of Wladislaw I sometime in the 19th century. This hand-colored lithograph speaks to the 19th-century interest in national origins and medieval history. Kriehuber was an Austrian lithographer. Lithography was a relatively new printmaking process at the time, and Kriehuber was one of its early masters. He made many portraits of prominent Austrians and other Europeans. His work helped to shape the image of these figures for the public. Here, Wladislaw is shown in ceremonial garb, holding a scepter and orb, symbols of royal power. The image draws on earlier visual codes and cultural references to convey the idea of kingship. But there is also a self-conscious element here. The print served a public role as an image of national identity and political power. Understanding the meaning of this print requires knowledge of Austrian history, printmaking techniques, and the social context in which it was made. Art historians use many resources, including archival documents and contemporary publications, to better understand such images.