Artwork

Paulus Usteri als Jäger im Walde

Paulus Usteri als Jäger im Walde, by Heinrich Freudweiler, oil
Paulus Usteri als Jäger im Walde, by Heinrich Freudweiler, oil

Paulus Usteri als Jäger im Walde is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Heinrich Freudweiler. It is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Heinrich Freudweiler, a Swiss painter active in the late eighteenth century, produced the oil work *Paulus Usteri als Jäger im Walde* in 1796. The canvas is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich’s holdings and is associated with the Biedermeier style that followed the Napoleonic era.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents Paulus Usteri dressed for the hunt, standing amid a wooded landscape. He wears a green jacket, tan trousers, and a black hat trimmed with a feather, while a rifle rests on his shoulder and a dog stands at his side, emphasizing the traditional role of the hunter in a natural setting.

Technique & Style

Freudweiler employed oil paint to render the textures of fabric and foliage with careful attention to light and shadow. The handling of chiaroscuro creates a subtle contrast between the illuminated figure and the darker forest background, enhancing the three‑dimensional effect of the scene.

History & Provenance

Although Freudweiler died in 1795, the painting bears the date 1796, suggesting it may have been completed or dated posthumously. Prior to this work he was known for Swiss historical subjects, and the *Paulus Usteri* piece reflects his later focus on portraiture and genre scenes.

Context

Created during the early Biedermeier period, the painting reflects the era’s interest in domestic and modest subjects, moving away from grand historical narratives toward more intimate, everyday themes such as hunting and personal identity.

Artist & collection

Artist

Heinrich Freudweiler

Heinrich Freudweiler, a Swiss portrait and genre painter, was born at Zurich in 1755, and was first instructed by H.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Kunsthaus Zürich open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.