Portret van Johann Nepomuk Schaller 1834

Franz Xaver Stöber created this print of Johann Nepomuk Schaller sometime in the first half of the 19th century. During this time, the rise of the middle class and a growing interest in individualism led to a surge in portraiture. Stöber's lithograph captures Schaller, an Austrian sculptor, with a contemplative gaze, his arms crossed in a gesture that conveys both confidence and introspection. The detailed rendering of his hair and clothing speaks to the sitter’s status, while his expression hints at the internal life of an artist deeply engaged with his craft. Prints like these democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a broader audience. This image captures a sense of the individual's importance. It reflects the cultural values of the time, as well as the human desire to be remembered.