Where can I see Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859)?

Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859)?

Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859) is associated with Biedermeier.

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Museum-quality prints of Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859)

Friedrich Lieder , 1822

Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859) is an unspecified painting by the Biedermeier artist Friedrich Lieder. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

A man in a dark coat sits against a plain ground, bright red and gold decorations pinned to his chest and his white cravat neatly tied. His light eyes, grave expression, and medals mark a man of high rank. Friedrich Lieder signed the portrait in 1822.

Technique & Style

The piece depicts Prince Klemens von Metternich as a male subject, rendered with the dignified handling typical of early 19th-century state portraiture.

Created in 1822 by Friedrich Lieder, this work is classified as an oil painting on canvas, executed in the formal portrait genre. The piece depicts Prince Klemens von Metternich as a male subject, rendered with the dignified handling typical of early 19th-century state portraiture. The support measures 224 centimeters in height and 172 centimeters in width, establishing a monumental scale appropriate for the sitter's high status.

While specific details regarding brushwork texture or current conservation condition are not explicitly detailed in the available records, the work's dimensions and classification as a painting confirm its physical nature as a large-scale oil portrait. The composition focuses entirely on the individual, adhering to the conventions of the portrait genre to present the subject's authority.

Overview

This painting, titled Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich, was completed by Friedrich Lieder in 1822. The work is a formal portrait depicting the Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich. Currently, the painting is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it offers a visual record of a significant historical figure from the early 19th century.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents Klemens von Metternich as a figure of authority and distinction. He is depicted in a dark coat, adorned with prominent red and gold decorations pinned to his chest, indicative of high honors or military rank. A precisely tied white cravat frames his neck, complementing his serious expression and light eyes.

The inclusion of these insignia underscores his elevated status, likely within governmental or military spheres, reflecting his public persona.

Context

Klemens von Metternich (1773–1859) was a central figure in European diplomacy during the first half of the 19th century, serving as Austria's foreign minister and chancellor. This portrait captures him during a period of significant influence, shortly after the Congress of Vienna. The formal nature of the painting reflects his prominent public role and the expectation for dignified representations of leading statesmen of the time.