Biedermeier: The Rise of an Era

The fascinating era of the Biedermeier, reflected in works from the countries of the Habsburg Monarchy--from Viennese masters to artists from Hungary, Czechia and Lombardy

Published with Leopold Museum, Vienna.

The Biedermeier era gave way to a style of decorative arts and furniture that emerged in Germany and Austria during the early to mid-19th century. Characterized by simplicity and elegance, the Biedermeier style delineates a period in Europe that was shaped by political upheaval and social revolts. The economic upturn brought forth a new bourgeoisie middle class whose members wished to be confidently depicted in their role. Along with this new focus on portraiture domestic and pastoral scenes, the genre of landscape painting gained particular popularity. Rather than focusing exclusively on Vienna as the residential capital of the Habsburg Monarchy, this publication also shines the spotlight on the splendid cities of the crown lands, such as Budapest, Prague, Ljubljana, Venice and Milan, as well as their environs.