Views of Vienna 1815 - 1825

Anton Kothgasser, born in Vienna in 1769, created this screen decorated with views of Vienna; a piece that invites us to consider the intersection of place, identity, and representation. Painted during a time of significant social change across Europe, the screen presents an idealized vision of Vienna's architecture and public spaces. We glimpse a world where societal class structures were visibly present in the everyday lives of the citizens. Kothgasser captures scenes of leisure and commerce, yet the absence of certain people subtly reflects the social hierarchies of the time. What stories remain untold in these picturesque views? Perhaps the voices of those who built these grand structures, those who maintained the immaculate streets, or those excluded from the leisurely scenes depicted. As you gaze upon this screen, consider the power of images in shaping perceptions and constructing narratives about who belongs and who is seen.