Portret van Joseph Marx von Liechtenstern 1780 - 1834

Konrad Westermayr produced this print of Joseph Marx von Liechtenstern. This portrait, like many others of its time, reflects the values and social hierarchies of 18th-century Europe. Note how the oval frame and the inscription contribute to an image of aristocratic distinction. These weren't merely aesthetic choices, but deliberate markers of social status. In the Austrian context, such visual codes were deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric, influencing how individuals perceived themselves and others within the rigid class structure of the time. The artwork also reflects the culture of patronage. Artists like Westermayr relied on commissions from the elite, thus reinforcing their status through portraiture. Understanding this image fully requires delving into the history of the Austrian aristocracy, portraiture conventions, and the role of artists within that society. By consulting period documents and studies of patronage, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped its production and reception.