Perchtoldsdorf 

Rudolf von Alt's "Perchtoldsdorf" is rendered in watercolor, a medium prized for its fluidity and transparency. These qualities allow Alt to capture the light and atmosphere of the Austrian landscape with remarkable sensitivity. But there's more to this choice than just aesthetics. Watercolor, unlike oil paint, lends itself to quick execution and portability. Think of it as the perfect medium for the era of burgeoning tourism in the 19th century. Alt wasn't just painting; he was documenting and perhaps even commodifying the picturesque charm of Perchtoldsdorf for a growing audience. The delicate washes of color and the brisk, confident brushstrokes speak to a process of direct observation, yet the careful composition and attention to detail reveal a trained hand. The use of watercolor flattens the distinction between the artist's studio and the outside world, and between the artist's personal experience, and the image being produced as something to be distributed.