Famous Austrian Artists

Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter known for his prominent role in the Vienna Secession movement. He focused on the female body and his works were characterized by a frank eroticism. Initially, he painted architectural decorations conventionally but later developed a unique style that sparked controversy. Despite criticism, he achieved success with his "golden phase" paintings featuring gold leaf. Klimt's influence extended to younger artists like Egon Schiele. His paintings have commanded top prices at auctions since the 1990s, solidifying his legacy in the art world.

Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an Austrian visual artist and architect known for his opposition to straight lines and standardization in building design. He emigrated to New Zealand in the 1970s, where he lived and worked for most of his life. His best-known work is the iconic Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, celebrated for its imaginative vitality and uniqueness. Hundertwasser's professional life was marked by a commitment to environmental protection and a bold, unconventional approach to art and architecture, leaving a lasting impact on the creative world.

Egon Schiele was an Austrian Expressionist painter known for his intense and sexually charged work, including numerous nude self-portraits. His paintings and drawings are characterized by twisted body shapes and expressive lines, marking him as an early proponent of Expressionism. Schiele's professional life was influenced by his mentor, the figurative painter Gustav Klimt. Through his art, Schiele made a significant impact on the art world during the early 20th century, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of modern art.

Oskar Kokoschka was a multi-talented Austrian artist, poet, playwright, and teacher who made significant contributions to the Viennese Expressionist movement. He gained renown for his intense expressionistic portraits and landscapes, which captured raw emotions and depicted the inner essence of his subjects. Kokoschka's unique theories on vision also left a lasting impact on the art world, influencing his contemporaries and future generations of artists. As a teacher, he shared his knowledge and passion for art, nurturing the talents of aspiring artists under his guidance.

Alfred Kubin was an Austrian artist known for his work as a printmaker, illustrator, and writer. He is recognized as a significant figure in Symbolism and Expressionism movements. Kubin's professional life was marked by his unique and haunting imagery, characterized by dark and fantastical themes. He gained recognition for his illustrations for literary works and his own writings, which often explored themes of the subconscious and the macabre. Throughout his career, Kubin's work reflected a deep exploration of the human psyche and the darker aspects of existence.

Stefan Sagmeister is an accomplished Austrian graphic designer, storyteller, and typographer based in New York City. In 1993, he established Sagmeister Inc., focusing on creating innovative designs for the music industry. Known for his iconic album covers, Sagmeister has worked with renowned artists such as Lou Reed, OK Go, The Rolling Stones, and Jay Z. He later formed a successful partnership with Jessica Walsh, operating as Sagmeister & Walsh Inc. Their collaborative work spanned from 2011 to 2019, leaving a lasting impact on the design world.

Raoul Hausmann was a prominent Austrian artist and writer known for his significant contributions to Berlin Dada. He was a key figure in the movement, known for his experimental photographic collages, sound poetry, and critical insights into institutional practices. Hausmann's innovative work had a lasting impact on the European Avant-Garde following World War I, influencing artists and intellectuals with his creative approach and revolutionary ideas. Through his diverse artistic endeavors, Hausmann left a lasting legacy in the world of avant-garde art and culture.

Franz von Bayros was an Austrian commercial artist, illustrator, and painter recognized for his controversial Tales at the Dressing Table portfolio. He was associated with the Decadent movement in art, frequently incorporating erotic subjects and phantasmagoric imagery into his work. Bayros gained prominence for his unique style and ability to evoke sensuality and fantasy through his illustrations. His artistic contributions have left a lasting impact on the art world, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the exploration of decadence and eroticism in visual art.

Erwin Wurm is an Austrian artist known for his thought-provoking and unconventional works. With a diverse practice spanning sculpture, performance, video, and photography, Wurm has gained international acclaim for his innovative approach to art. He has exhibited his work in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including locations in Vienna, Limberg, Hydra, and New York City. Wurm's art challenges viewers to reconsider conventional notions of sculpture and the human form, inviting them to engage with his playful and provocative creations.

Dame Lucie Rie, DBE, was a pioneering Austrian-born British studio potter known for her exceptional technical expertise and innovative decorative techniques. Working in a predominantly male field, she stood out for her meticulous experimentation with glazes and firing processes. Rie's professional legacy revolves around her dedication to pushing the boundaries of ceramic art, showcasing a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities. Her work continues to be celebrated for its artistic integrity and contribution to the evolution of studio pottery.

Wolfgang Paalen was a versatile Austrian-Mexican artist known for his contributions to painting, sculpture, and art philosophy. He was associated with the Abstraction-Création group before joining the Surrealist movement and later founding his own art magazine, DYN, to express his critical views on Surrealism. Paalen's philosophy of contingency challenged radical subjectivism and Freudo-Marxism within the Surrealist movement. He had a significant impact as a prominent exponent of Surrealism and continued to engage with the movement during various periods of his professional life.

Valie Export is an avant-garde Austrian artist known for provocative public performances and expanded cinema work. Her diverse artistic practice includes video installations, computer animations, photography, sculpture, and publications on contemporary art. Export's work challenges societal norms and explores themes of gender, identity, and the body. She has made significant contributions to the art world through her innovative and boundary-pushing creations, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the realm of avant-garde art.

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller was a prominent Austrian painter and writer known for his significant contributions during the Biedermeier period. He established himself as one of the most important artists of his time, creating a body of work that captured the essence of everyday life and landscapes with great skill and attention to detail. Waldmüller's artistry and innovative techniques helped shape the artistic landscape of Austria, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated and studied by art enthusiasts and scholars worldwide.

Soap&Skin is the experimental musical project of Austrian artist Anja Plaschg. She gained recognition for her unique blend of haunting vocals, intricate piano compositions, and electronic elements. Plaschg's music is characterized by its emotional depth and raw vulnerability, exploring themes of love, loss, and existentialism. She has released several critically acclaimed albums and has toured internationally, captivating audiences with her intense live performances. Soap&Skin's work has been praised for its artistic innovation and willingness to push boundaries within the realm of experimental music.

Hermann Nitsch was an influential Austrian contemporary artist and composer known for his wide-scale performances that integrated elements of theater, multimedia, rituals, and enacted violence. He was a prominent figure in Viennese Actionism, a radical art movement that emerged in the 1960s. Nitsch's work challenged traditional artistic boundaries and pushed the limits of performance art, often provoking strong emotional responses from audiences. His innovative approach to art and his commitment to exploring the connections between ritual, violence, and artistic expression have left a lasting impact on the contemporary art world.

Helmut Lang is an Austrian artist and former fashion designer known for his minimalist and avant-garde approach. He gained international recognition for his innovative designs and forward-thinking concepts during the 1990s. Lang's work often blurred the lines between fashion, art, and culture, influencing a generation of designers. After exiting the fashion industry, he continued to explore various artistic mediums, creating thought-provoking installations and collaborations. Currently based in New York and on Long Island, Lang's artistic pursuits continue to challenge conventional boundaries and inspire creativity.

Joseph Anton Koch was a prominent Austrian painter known for his contributions to Neoclassicism and the German Romantic movement. He gained recognition as a significant neoclassical landscape painter, showcasing a unique artistic style that combined classical influences with romantic elements. Koch's work was characterized by its intricate attention to detail and emotional depth, reflecting his interest in both classical themes and the sublime beauty of nature. His artistic achievements solidified his reputation as one of the most important figures in 19th-century European art.

Joseph Lange was an actor and amateur painter in the 18th century. He was known for his performances on stage and his artistic pursuits. His marriage to Aloysia Weber, the sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, connected him to the renowned composer. Lange's professional life was characterized by his talent as an actor and his interest in painting, which he pursued alongside his theatrical career. He made a significant impact in the arts during his time, leaving behind a legacy of artistic endeavors.

Christoph Haizmann was an Austrian painter known for selling his soul to the Devil in exchange for artistic talent and fame. He gained notoriety for creating paintings depicting his encounters with the Devil. Haizmann's case attracted the attention of prominent psychiatrists and psychologists like Sigmund Freud, who studied the psychological implications of his experiences. Haizmann's professional life was marked by his controversial artistic works inspired by his pact with the Devil and the subsequent exorcism that followed.

Franz West was an Austrian artist renowned for his unconventional and interactive works, including objects, sculptures, installations, and furniture pieces. He gained international recognition for his unique approach that engaged the audience, blurring the lines between art and viewer participation. West's professional life was characterized by a spirit of experimentation and a rejection of traditional artistic norms. His work challenged conventional ideas of art and encouraged viewers to become active participants in the creative process, leaving a lasting impact on the contemporary art world.

Peter Johann Nepomuk Geiger was a prominent Viennese artist known for his landscape paintings and watercolors. He gained recognition for his detailed and realistic depictions of rural scenes, often featuring picturesque mountain landscapes and charming village settings. Geiger's works were highly regarded for their meticulous attention to light and shadow, as well as the emotional depth conveyed through his compositions. His artistic talents extended beyond painting, as he also excelled in the fields of drawing and engraving, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

Moritz von Schwind was an Austrian painter known for his lyrical and romantic style, drawing inspiration from chivalry, folklore, and folk songs. His professional career was marked by a focus on these themes, creating works that captured the imagination of his audience. Schwind's talent and creativity established him as a prominent figure in the art world during his time. His legacy lives on through his paintings, which continue to be admired for their beauty and storytelling qualities.

Johann Nepomuk della Croce was an Austrian painter mentored by Pietro Antonio Lorenzoni, known for his extensive body of work. He is estimated to have painted five thousand portraits and two hundred historical pictures, including notable works like a self-portrait in 1762 and a Mozart family portrait in 1780. His professional legacy continued through his son Clemens de La Croce, who also became a painter. della Croce's career was marked by prolific output, skill in portraiture, and influence on the next generation of artists.

Barbara Krafft was an Austrian painter known for her posthumous portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. She gained recognition for her skillful portrayal of the renowned composer, which has been widely reproduced and remains an iconic representation of Mozart. Krafft's artistic talent and attention to detail captured the essence of her subjects, earning her a lasting reputation as a portrait painter. Her work continues to be celebrated for its contribution to preserving the legacy of prominent figures through art.

Paul Troger was a prominent Austrian painter, draughtsman, and printmaker during the late Baroque period. He was known for his exceptional illusionistic ceiling paintings in fresco, characterized by dynamic movement and a light color palette. Troger's unique style dominated Austrian painting well into the 18th century and had a profound influence on subsequent artists such as Franz Anton Maulbertsch, Josef Ignaz Mildorfer, Johann Wenzel Bergl, and Johann Lucas Kracker. His work remains highly regarded for its dramatic vitality and artistic innovation.

Friedrich von Amerling was an Austro-Hungarian portrait painter who served as a court painter in Vienna for Emperor Franz Josef from 1835 to 1880. Alongside Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, he is recognized as one of the prominent Austrian portrait painters of the 19th century. Throughout his career, Amerling produced numerous notable portraits, portraying the elite and aristocracy of his time with a remarkable attention to detail and a focus on capturing the personality and essence of his subjects. His work exemplifies the refined elegance and artistic sophistication of the era.

Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder was an Austrian-Italian painter known for his historical and portrait works. He relocated to the Russian Empire following the partition of Poland, attracted by a lucrative offer from the Tsar. Lampi established himself as a prominent artist in Russia, gaining favor and commissions from the imperial court and high society. His skillful depictions captured the essence and elegance of his subjects, showcasing a mastery of technique and a keen eye for detail. Lampi's legacy endures through his lasting impact on the art world.

Rudolf Ritter von Alt, an Austrian landscape and architectural painter, is renowned for his realistic and detailed style in architectural and landscape paintings. He produced various works, such as town views, landscapes, and building interiors for the Vienna Academy, though he declined a professorship there. Notable pieces by Alt include "View of Stephansdom, from the Stock-im-Eisen" (1832) and "Portrait of a lady" (1838). Throughout his career, Alt showcased a remarkable talent for capturing the beauty and intricacies of both architectural structures and natural landscapes.

Robert Hammerstiel was a renowned Austrian painter and engraver known for his distinctive style influenced by Serbian icon painting, wood-engraving, and pop art. Throughout his career, he gained international recognition and won numerous prestigious awards for his artistic achievements. His hometown honored his contributions by establishing a museum solely dedicated to showcasing his remarkable body of work, highlighting his significant impact on the art world. Hammerstiel's artistic legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a celebrated figure in the art community.

Susanne Wenger, also known as Adunni Olorisha, was an Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess who dedicated her professional life to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture. She successfully established an artist cooperative in Osogbo and collaborated with local artists to enhance the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove with intricate sculptures and carvings depicting the Orishas. Wenger's advocacy led to the grove being declared a national monument and later recognized as a world heritage site, solidifying her legacy as a key figure in the preservation of Yoruba traditions through art.

Walter Pichler was a versatile Austrian professional known for his work as a sculptor, artist, architect, and designer. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the fields of art and architecture, blending creativity and innovation in his projects. Pichler's work often reflected a unique and distinctive style, showcasing his talent and vision. He left a lasting impact on the art world with his creations, inspiring others in the industry with his creativity and craftsmanship.

Josef Abel was a prominent Austrian historical painter and etcher known for his significant contributions to the art world during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He gained recognition for his skillful portrayal of historical scenes and events, showcasing a mastery of technique and composition. Abel's work often depicted powerful narratives with a focus on detail and emotion, earning him a reputation as a leading figure in the art community of his time. His artistic legacy continues to inspire and influence artists to this day.

Johann Peter Krafft was a renowned German-born Austrian painter known for his exceptional skills in portraying portraits, historical events, and genre scenes. His professional life was marked by a prolific career, during which he gained recognition for his masterful technique and attention to detail. Krafft's works often captured the essence of his subjects, whether depicting notable figures in history or everyday scenes with a touch of realism. His artistry and dedication to his craft solidified his reputation as a prominent artist in the 19th century art world.

Anton von Maron was an Austrian painter known for his expertise in portrait painting. He spent the majority of his career in Rome, where he established himself as a prominent artist. Maron's works were characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a focus on capturing the likeness and personality of his subjects. He gained recognition for his skillful use of light and shadow to create depth and realism in his portraits. Maron's legacy includes a significant body of work that continues to be admired for its technical proficiency and artistic merit.

Franz Anton Maulbertsch was an Austrian painter and engraver known for his Rococo style. He studied in Vienna and was influenced by prominent painters like Troger, Piazzetta, and Pittoni. Maulbertsch admired the frescoes of Sebastiano Ricci and learned from Tiepolo. He was highly regarded for his frescoes, receiving many ecclesiastical commissions across various regions. Some of his notable works adorn churches in Bicske, Kalocsa, Vienna, and Moravia, as well as the Archbishop's Palace in Kroměříž. Maulbertsch passed away in Vienna in 1796.

Oz Almog is an Israeli artist known for his confrontational and provocative paintings, with some of his most influential works being "Birth of a Myth" and "Blood Addict - Bloody scenes of Murder." After serving in the Israeli Navy, he studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. His exhibitions were often shocking and innovative, particularly notable examples being "Birth of a Myth" in 1994 and "The Psychonaut and His Mind Navigator" in 1995. Almog's work frequently featured public figures such as writer Franz Kafka.

Georg Rafael Donner was a renowned Austrian sculptor of the 18th century, known for his baroque style infused with pseudo-ancient elements. He influenced many German sculptors of his time, including his son Matthäus Donner. Donner's work was inspired by nature and antique sculptures, which he encountered at Vienna's academy. Throughout his career, he created notable pieces such as the Donnersteig in Mirabel Castle and various fountains. His legacy lives on through his works displayed at the Baroque art museum in Vienna.

Eduard Charlemont was a prominent Austrian painter known for his skillful use of light and shadow in his works, particularly in his orientalist paintings. He gained recognition for his detailed and vibrant depictions of Middle Eastern settings, often incorporating elements of fantasy and exoticism. Charlemont's artistry was highly regarded during his time, and he received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the art world. His legacy continues to be celebrated for his unique style and captivating portrayal of exotic landscapes.

Johann Michael Rottmayr was an acclaimed Austrian painter known for his Baroque style artworks. He received numerous commissions for religious frescoes and altarpieces in churches and palaces throughout Central Europe. Rottmayr's mastery of dramatic lighting, vibrant colors, and dynamic compositions made him a prominent figure in the Baroque art movement. His works often featured themes of mythology, history, and religious subjects, showcasing his skill in capturing emotion and movement with intricate detail. Rottmayr's legacy endures through his significant contributions to Austrian and European art history.