Josef Kriehuber Paintings

Josef Kriehuber was an Austrian lithographer and painter, born on 14th December 1800 in Vienna, Austria. He is often regarded as the father of portrait lithography in Austria. Kriehuber's artistic journey began at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under the guidance of Hubert Maurer and Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder. His initial work focused on historical scenes and landscapes, but he soon found his true calling in lithography, a printmaking technique relatively new at the time.

Kriehuber was particularly adept at capturing the likenesses and subtle nuances of his subjects, which included a wide array of prominent figures of his time, such as Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Strauss, among others. His portraits were not only famous in Austria but also gained significant recognition across Europe, cementing his reputation as a master lithographer.

Throughout his career, Kriehuber developed a distinctive style characterized by its fine detail, sensitivity, and a touch of idealization, which made his portraits highly sought after. He was prolific, producing over 3000 lithographs, which were popular collectibles among the Viennese bourgeoisie and aristocracy of the 19th century.

Apart from his portrait lithographs, Kriehuber also created illustrations for books and sheet music, contributing to the visual culture of the Biedermeier period. His work provides a valuable historical record of the social and cultural elite of his time.

Josef Kriehuber's contribution to the arts was recognized in his lifetime, and he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph in 1860. He continued to work until his later years, leaving behind a rich legacy of portraiture that provides insight into the era's aesthetics and society. Kriehuber died on 30th May 1876 in Vienna, leaving an indelible mark on the history of European lithography.