Myths of Romanticism - The New Heroes
In the political context of the Napoleonic Wars and the birth of nation states in Europe, there were art movements oriented towards the past and its myths and heroes. In Austria, these heroes were the early rulers of the Hapsburg dynasty. The religious romanticization of their heroic deeds and their deep union with the Catholic Church served objects of projection for the national identity in the newly established Austrian empire. Rudolph I. and Maximilian I of Hapsburg were the main protagonists of these glorifying historic paintings.
While sculpture and architecture were still adhering to the classic formal vocabulary of antiquity, the romanticist painters turned more and more towards the Middle Ages as an inspiration. Exhibits by Moritz v. Schwind, Joseph von Führich, Leopold Kupelwieser or Franz Pforr with his impressive The Entry of Emperor Rudolf of Hapsburg into Basle bear witness to the early conscience of an Austrian nation.
In our film Albertina Museum chief curator Christof Metzger reflects the interaction of art and power within the romanticist artworks on the Hapsburg myths.
Das könnte Sie auch interessieren
C.A. Contemporary - Rudolf Rischer
12. January 2018
MAXIMILIAN PRÜFER. From dust you shall return
19. January 2026
MANFRED WILLMANN. Die Welt ist schön
25. February 2019
TONY CRAGG. Sculpture: Body and Soul (Part 2)
2. August 2022
MIROSLAV PELÁK. Old Foundations, New Dreams.
25. September 2024
Rudolf Polanszky - Models for Transaggregate Structures
30. May 2011
The Director’s Choice - Albertina Collection of Photography
14. March 2018