Artwork

The storming of Schweidnitz in 1761

The storming of Schweidnitz in 1761, by Karl von Blaas, oil, 1866
The storming of Schweidnitz in 1761, by Karl von Blaas, oil, 1866

The storming of Schweidnitz in 1761 is an oil painting by Karl von Blaas. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

The painting is held at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which suggests it's a significant historical piece, possibly depicting a battle scene.

The painting is titled The storming of Schweidnitz in 1761.
It was created by Karl von Blaas in 1866 using oil paint.
The painting is held at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which suggests it's a significant historical piece, possibly depicting a battle scene.
The artist's choice of subject is interesting, as it shows a specific event in history.
To learn more about the style and technique used in this painting, look up the technique of glazing.

Overview

The Storming of Schweidnitz in 1761 is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Austrian artist Karl von Blaas in 1866. It is part of the collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a specific battle event from the Seven Years' War: the storming of Schweidnitz in 1761. This historical subject choice deviates from von Blaas' commonly known repertoire of portraits and religious themes.

Technique & Style

While specific stylistic details of this work are not highlighted, von Blaas' use of oil paint suggests potential layering and depth, possibly enhanced by techniques such as glazing, common in achieving detailed, luminous effects in historical and battle scenes.

History & Provenance

Created over a century after the event it portrays (in 1866), the painting is now housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, indicating its recognized historical and artistic value.

Context

Painted during the 19th century, a time of heightened historical consciousness and nationalism in Europe, the work may reflect contemporary interests in commemorating or reinterpreting past military victories or events.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is largely tied to its presence in a major museum collection, suggesting its importance as a historical record and example of 19th-century historical painting, though its broader impact on art history or popular culture is not prominently noted.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Karl von Blaas

Artist

Karl von Blaas

Karl von Blaas (28 April 1815 – 19 March 1894) was an Austrian painter known for his portraits and religious compositions executed on canvas as well as in the form of frescoes.