Rudolf Von Alt (Austrian 1812-1905)
Chapel Interior
watercolour on paper, signed and dated lower right "R. Alt 1853" Provenance: Estate of Thea F.B. Bentley
A member of Austrian nobility, Rudolf von Alt was educated at the Academy of Fine arts in Vienna, founding member of the Vienna Künstlerhaus and honourary President of the Vienna Secession. He is considered one of Austria’s greatest watercolour artists and a master in depicting space and light, able to capture the topographical landscapes and architecture of Austria in a detailed, realistic manner.
Inspired by a trip to Italy in 1833, von Alt painted architectural subjects including everyday objects and interior views which became one of his strong points. While painting on hiking trips through the Austrian Alps and Northern Italy he developed a detailed, realistic style which became very popular. He received many commissions for glamorous interiors documented the splendour of the aristocratic palaces of early 19th century Viennese society and was chosen by the Austrian government to document their most impressive buildings. During his eight-decade career, not only did he depict both exterior and interior views of popular castles and noble palaces, but also veduta, buildings and public spaces including the rapid changes in the Viennese cityscape.
Size:10.75 h x 15.5 w (with frame 22 x 26.5)
J21800