Alpenflora 

Hans Zatzka painted "Alpenflora" in Austria, during a time when academic art still held sway. The work draws on classical allegories of feminine beauty and the natural world, but it's also deeply embedded in the visual culture of its time. Representations like this were hugely popular on postcards, calendars, and prints that catered to a growing market for mass-produced imagery. Zatzka’s paintings present an idealized vision of Austria that is typical of conservative art of this era. The female figure appears to be floating and is surrounded by beautiful fauna, creating a scene of ethereal beauty which is perhaps at odds with the reality of the landscape. What is the public role of such art? Is this the way Austria saw itself? Understanding art like this demands that we look beyond its surface. By researching the artist, the marketplace, and the social context, we can understand the conditions that gave rise to it.