Who painted Map of Vienna?

Map of Vienna was painted by Augustin Hirschvogel in 1552.

Where can I see Map of Vienna?

Map of Vienna is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Map of Vienna?

Map of Vienna is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Map of Vienna

Augustin Hirschvogel , 1552

Map of Vienna is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1552 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1552, the work presents a six‑panel representation of Vienna assembled on a cloth backing.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1552, the work presents a six‑panel representation of Vienna assembled on a cloth backing. Executed as an etched print with hand‑applied colour, the composition offers a panoramic view of the city as it appeared in the mid‑16th century, combining cartographic precision with artistic detail.

Subject & Meaning

The image functions as both a geographic record and a visual narrative of Vienna’s urban fabric. Streets, public buildings, and fortifications are rendered with enough specificity to serve travelers and officials, while the decorative elements reflect contemporary interests in documenting civic pride and spatial order.

Technique & Style

Hirschvogel employed copper‑plate etching, a process that allowed fine line work, and subsequently added colour by hand, enhancing landmarks and topography. The six sheets, printed on laid paper, were sewn together and affixed to a cloth support, a method that facilitated a larger, foldable format suitable for display or reference.

History & Provenance

The print originates from Augustin Hirschvogel, a German polymath active in cartography and the visual arts. Known for a series of small landscape etchings produced in the 1540s, he applied his technical expertise to this urban map, which later entered collections of European libraries and museums documenting early modern cartographic practice.

Context

Produced within the Danube School milieu, the map reflects the 16th‑century Austrian and Bavarian emphasis on integrating scientific observation with artistic expression. During this period, printed maps were increasingly used for administrative planning and navigation, and Hirschvogel’s work exemplifies the convergence of mathematical precision and visual communication.