The Art of the Viennese Watercolour, Exhibition, The Albertina Museum, Vienna: 16 February-13 May 2018

Watercolour painting, which has existed since the 18th century, became particularly popular in Vienna in the 19th century. It was a period of artistic blossoming in Austria, in which the works were characterised by a light, transparent and iridescent quality and a special atmospheric impression achieved through the virtuosic use of watercolours. Common themes include incredibly accurate and detailed depictions of Vienna’s mountainous landscapes, bustling scenes of city life, true-to-life portraits, and almost photographic still-life floral studies.

This exhibition in the Albertina displays works of some of the most important artistic figures of Viennese watercolour: Rudolf von Alt, Jakob Alt, Matthäus Loder, Thomas Ender, Peter Fendi and Moritz Michael Daffinger among others, and traces the trajectory of this beautiful genre of painting, from the Biedermeier era all the way to the art of the Secession movement around 1900. An authentic collection of some 200 works will be on display, out of a total of 2500 that make up the Albertina’s collection, alongside other important works on loan to the museum.

The Albertina Museum

Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

Opening hours

Daily, 10.00-18.00

Wednesday and Friday, 10.00-21.00