Austria's artistic identity is closely tied to the Vienna Secession, a movement that broke from the conservative artistic establishment at the turn of the 20th century. Led by Gustav Klimt, the Secession championed innovative styles, including Art Nouveau and Symbolism. Austrian art from this period often explores themes of psychology, sensuality, and the anxieties of modern life. Expressionism also took root, with artists such as Egon Schiele pushing the boundaries of emotional intensity. Austrian landscape painting gained prominence in the 19th century, influenced by French Impressionism and a focus on capturing fleeting moments in nature.
Key Movements
12 movements shaped austrian art.
Key Artists
Key Ideas
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The Vienna Secession
Founded in 1897, the Vienna Secession was a group of artists who rejected academic traditions in favour of modern styles. Gustav Klimt was its most famous member. The Secession championed experimentation and collaboration between different art forms.
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Austrian Expressionism
Emerging in the early 20th century, Austrian Expressionism is characterised by its intense emotionality and psychological depth. Artists such as Egon Schiele used distorted forms and bold colours to convey feelings of anxiety and alienation.
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Landscape Painting
In the 19th century, Austrian artists developed a distinctive approach to landscape painting. They combined a detailed observation of nature with an interest in capturing atmospheric effects, influenced by French Impressionism.
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Viennese Actionism
This radical and provocative art movement emerged in the 1960s. It involved performance-based actions, often incorporating the body and challenging social norms.
Museums in Austria
14 museums.
Vienna (4)
- 48 artists
Belvedere
Vienna, Austria
- 26 artists
Liechtenstein Museum
Vienna, Austria
- 16 artists
Batliner Collection
Vienna, Austria
- 1 artists
University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Linz (1)
- 107 artists
Führermuseum
Linz, Austria
Maria-Theresien-Platz (1)
- 106 artists
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Maria-Theresien-Platz, Austria
Palais Erzherzog Albrecht (1)
- 53 artists
Albertina
Palais Erzherzog Albrecht, Austria
MuseumsQuartier (1)
- 4 artists
Leopold Museum
MuseumsQuartier, Austria
Building of Lentos Kunstmuseum (1)
- 2 artists
Lentos Art Museum
Building of Lentos Kunstmuseum, Austria
Neue Burg (1)
- 1 artists
Austrian National Library
Neue Burg, Austria
Palais Lobkowitz, Vienna (1)
- 1 artists
Austrian Theatre Museum
Palais Lobkowitz, Vienna, Austria
Freyung 8 (1)
- 1 artists
Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien
Freyung 8, Austria
Innere Stadt (1)
- 1 artists
MAK – Museum of Applied Arts
Innere Stadt, Austria
Vienna Museum at Karlsplatz (1)
- 1 artists
Vienna Museum
Vienna Museum at Karlsplatz, Austria
All Austrian Artists
19 artists.
Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl
Albin Egger-Lienz
Alfred Kubin
Alfred Roller
Anton Azbe
Arnulf Rainer
August von Pettenkofen
Barbara Krafft
Bertalan Szekely
Carl Moll
Carl Reichert
Christian Attersee
Constantin Daniel Rosenthal
Eduard Veith
Egon Schiele
Gustav Klimt
Koloman Moser
Oskar Kokoschka
Richard Gerstl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Austria's greatest contribution to art?
Austria's most significant contribution is arguably the Vienna Secession. This movement, which began in 1897, rejected traditional academic art and embraced a range of modern styles, including Art Nouveau and Symbolism. The Secession fostered a spirit of artistic experimentation and collaboration that had a lasting impact on European art.Who are the most important Austrian artists to know?
Gustav Klimt is essential for his leading role in the Vienna Secession and his iconic Art Nouveau paintings, such as 'The Kiss'. Egon Schiele is another important figure, known for his Expressionist portraits and emotionally charged self-portraits. The Belvedere museum in Vienna holds an important collection of Austrian art.Which Austrian artist is underappreciated?
Barbara Krafft, an 18th-century portrait painter, deserves greater recognition. She was a successful artist in her time, known for her realistic and insightful portraits of prominent figures. Her skill and achievements have often been overshadowed by her male contemporaries.When did Austria develop a distinctive national style?
Austria began to develop a distinctive national style in the 19th century, particularly with the rise of landscape painting. Artists like Emil Jakob Schindler focused on capturing the specific details and atmosphere of the Austrian countryside. This focus coincided with the rise of Stimmungsimpressionismus, an Austrian variant of Impressionism.
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