Portrait Josephs II 

Joseph Kreutzinger created this portrait of Joseph II. Kreutzinger, born in Vienna, lived in a society that was rigidly stratified, where class and nobility dictated one's position. As the court painter, Kreutzinger’s role was to represent power, and nobility. Joseph II, as depicted here, embodies the ideals of the Enlightenment. The gaze is direct, level, and seemingly approachable. Yet, this is a carefully constructed image; the powdered wig, the subtle, yet refined attire all speak to Joseph's station. It is an image of a ruler, but one attempting to convey a sense of accessibility. The soft brushstrokes and muted palette adds to this feeling of intimacy, as if inviting the viewer into a personal moment with the Emperor. The portrait stands as a testament to the power of representation and the carefully constructed narratives of identity that circulate through art. The portrait continues to invite dialogue about the nature of power and the role of the individual within the grand theater of history.