Johann of Austria, archduke, imperial administrator 

Josef Kriehuber made this portrait of Johann of Austria, an archduke and imperial administrator, sometime in the 19th century. During this period, the Austro-Hungarian empire grappled with questions of identity, class, and regionalism. Johann, though a member of the ruling Habsburg family, was known for his progressive views and identification with the common people of Austria, especially those in the alpine regions. In the image, Johann is depicted in traditional alpine clothing, with his arm around a young boy, and his gesture indicates a connection to the land, signaling a carefully constructed image of a leader in touch with his people. This imagery helped to foster a sense of national identity that transcended class divisions. However, this construction of national identity often obscured the experiences of marginalized groups, and reinforced existing power structures. Ultimately, the portrait offers insight into the complex negotiations of identity and power within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and how the emotional appeal of regional identity was harnessed to create a sense of unity.