Artwork

The meeting at Ebelsberg in 1806

The meeting at Ebelsberg in 1806, by Karl von Blaas, oil, 1870
The meeting at Ebelsberg in 1806, by Karl von Blaas, oil, 1870

The meeting at Ebelsberg in 1806 is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Karl von Blaas. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

The meeting at Ebelsberg in 1806 is an oil on canvas painting created by Austrian artist Karl von Blaas in 1870, associated with the Biedermeier movement. It is now part of the collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a chaotic battle scene from the 1806 meeting at Ebelsberg, showcasing intense combat among soldiers in varied uniforms (notably red and white, and blue and white). The focus is on capturing the drama and desperation of war.

Technique & Style

Von Blaas employed a dramatic use of color and composition to convey the turmoil of the battle. The foreground features a prominent wooden structure, while the background includes a large building, trees, and smoke, all contributing to the sense of turmoil.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1870, the work reflects on a historical event 64 years prior. It is currently housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, though the full provenance history is not detailed here.

Context

As part of the Biedermeier movement, the painting aligns with a period emphasizing realism and everyday life, though in this case, applied to a historical and dramatic subject matter.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is tied to its representation of a specific historical event through the lens of the Biedermeier style, contributing to the visual record of remembered conflicts in Austrian art.

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.