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Ferdinand Georg WaldmullerAustrian artist of the first half of the 19th century
Date of Birth: 15.01.1793
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller: A Prolific Austrian Artist
- Career as a Portrait Miniaturist and Teacher
- Travels and Theatre Engagements
- Artistic Development
- Italian Influences and Academic Recognition
- Biedermeier Painter and Landscape Artist
- Conflicts with the Academy
- Personal Life and Financial Struggles
- International Recognition and Legacy
- Notable Students
Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller: A Prolific Austrian Artist
Early Life and EducationAustrian painter Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller was born in Vienna in 1793. From 1807 to 1813, he intermittently attended the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, studying under Hubert Maurer and Johann Baptist Lampi.
Career as a Portrait Miniaturist and Teacher
Waldmüller earned a living painting miniature portraits. In 1811, he secured a position as a drawing teacher in the household of Count Gülay in Zagreb. There, he met and married his first wife, Katharina Weidner, a singer and sister of portrait painter Josef Weidner.
Travels and Theatre Engagements
The couple traveled to various cities where Katharina performed, including Baden near Vienna, Brno, and Prague. Waldmüller designed theatre sets during this period. In 1814, Katharina was offered a contract at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna.
Artistic Development
In 1818, Waldmüller studied oil painting with Josef Lange and landscape painting with Johann Nepomuk Schödlberger. Portraits remained his primary genre, and in 1822, his works were exhibited at the St. Anna Academy.
Italian Influences and Academic Recognition
Between 1825 and 1844, Waldmüller undertook several study trips to Italy. In 1829, he was appointed curator of the Academy's picture gallery and professor. In 1830, he visited Paris for the first time.
Biedermeier Painter and Landscape Artist
Waldmüller became known as a painter of the Biedermeier era, capturing idyllic scenes of pre-March Vienna. He also created numerous landscapes of Bad Ischl and the Prater.
Conflicts with the Academy
Waldmüller's preference for painting from life rather than copying old masters strained his relationship with the Academy of Fine Arts. His reformist proposals eventually cost him his studio and later his position.
Personal Life and Financial Struggles
Waldmüller separated from his first wife in 1834 and married milliner Anna Bayer in 1851. Financial difficulties compelled him to exhibit his work in his wife's fashion salon.
International Recognition and Legacy
Waldmüller's success was revived by exhibitions in London, Cologne, and Vienna. His works were also celebrated with the erection of a monument in Vienna in 1913, the creation of a park named after him in 1923, and the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in 1964.
Notable Students
Ferdinand Waldmüller's notable students included Hans Canon and Anton Romako. His prolific oeuvre, which umfasst around 1200 paintings, left an enduring mark on Austrian art history.
