Hans Makart

pseudonym: -

birth data

date of birth: 1840

place of birth: Salzburg

death data

date of death: 1884

death: Wien

biography

Born in 1840, Hans Makart first studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1858. However, after being classified as untalented, he was forced to leave his first place of studies. Makart moved to Munich and started studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts under Karl Theodor von Piloty, whose dramatically staged historical paintings were echoed in the later works of the student. He undertook study trips to England, France and Italy until he finally returned to Vienna. Initially, the reputable artist received state funding for his specially designed atelier. In 1876, Makart became the Director of the special School of Historical Painting at the Academy, which had once rejected him on the basis of supposed lack of talent.

Makarts paintings were influenced by his role models Titian and Rubens. His pictures are characterized by intense sensuality, baroque pathos and opulent colourfulness. In addition to working as a painter, Makart also worked as an interior decorator, especially for his patron Nikolaus Dumba. On his behalf he took over the design of the staircase of the Art History Museum in Vienna.

Even if the "prince of painters" Makart was ridiculed by many after his death because of his extravagant style, he exerted a considerable influence on younger painter such as Gustav Klimt. In addition, his elaborately furnished studio, a work of art in its own right, evoked great admiration in the visitors. To this day, the so-called "Makartstyle" describes the influential style of interior decoration, characterized by the use of plush, elaborate wall hangings, dark paneling and gorgeous chandeliers. Makarts works are now found in numerous international collections, e.g. the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest and the Kunsthalle in Hamburg.