Felician Von Myrbach-Reinfeld Paintings

Felician Freiherr von Myrbach-Rheinfeld was an Austrian artist born on May 11, 1853, in Slovenska Bistrica (then part of the Austrian Empire, now in Slovenia). He is commonly known as Felician Von Myrbach or Myrbach-Rheinfeld. His noble family background did not deter him from pursuing an artistic career, and he became known for his contributions in various domains of art including illustration, painting, and teaching.

Myrbach initially studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, where he was a pupil of the history painter Carl von Blaas. Seeking further education, he moved to Paris to continue his studies under the tutelage of Jean-Paul Laurens and at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts. During his time in Paris, he was significantly influenced by the French art scene, including the emerging Impressionist movement.

In Paris, Myrbach became involved in illustration and graphic arts, contributing to various periodicals such as 'Le Monde Illustré', 'L'Illustration', and 'Figaro Illustré'. His illustrations, often characterized by a dynamic and detailed style, gained him recognition and popularity.

Returning to Vienna in the late 1880s, Myrbach became an essential figure in the local art scene and was instrumental in the development of the Vienna Secession, a movement that sought to break away from the conservative confines of the Viennese art establishment. He also served as the director of the graphic arts class at the Imperial and Royal Austrian Museum of Art and Industry, now known as the University of Applied Arts Vienna.

Felician von Myrbach's contributions extended beyond just his own artistic practice. He was highly regarded as a teacher and mentor, influencing a new generation of artists and illustrators. His work is representative of the transition from traditional academic art to the more progressive styles that characterized the turn of the century.

Myrbach died on January 14, 1940, in Vienna. Despite not being widely known today, his work during his lifetime contributed to the graphic arts and education in Austria and left a lasting impact on the students he taught and the art community in Vienna during a period of significant change.