Famous Austrian Artists

Austrian artist Friedrich von Amerling was one of the most important Austrian painters. He attended the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. He was inspired by portrait painter Sir Thomas Lawrence and became renowned for his portraits of the aristocracy and courtly life. Among his best-known artworks is Lost in Dreams, featuring a young girl lost in her thoughts, which demonstrates the artist’s ability to capture the subject’s emotions and inner world.

Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser was a visionary painter inspired by Gustav Klimt. His artwork was distinguished by vivid hues, curvilinear forms and focused on the unity between people and nature. Among his most famous artworks is Iringaland Over the Balkans. This avant-garde artist’s commitment to environmental conservation has inspired countless individuals worldwide to incorporate ecological themes into their artworks, thus showcasing the enduring impact of his meaningful work.

Austrian Expressionist artist Oscar Kokoschka was known for creating portraits and landscapes. The artist was inspired by Gustav Klimt. He developed a unique style using bold colors and expressive brushstrokes. His artworks depicted people with distorted features and exaggerated gestures, expressing despair and anxiety. Among his most famous paintings is The Tempest. It is an artwork that symbolizes the tumultuous relationship between Kokoschka and his lover, Alma Mahler.

Austrian artist Alfred Kubin created artworks by blending symbolism and expressionism. Austrian symbolist painter Alfred Kubin studied at the Munich Academy, where he was influenced by Art Nouveau and Jugendstil. Among his best-known artworks is Gateway to Hell.

Austrian artist Maria Lassnig played a significant role in developing Expressionism and figurative painting. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna under Wilhelm Dachauer and Herbert Boecki. She moved to Paris, France, and was impressed by Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. Lassnig began creating “body awareness” paintings.

Austrian artist Hans Makart was among the most famous Austrian painters during the 19th century and often referred to as the “magician of color.” His artworks shaped Vienna’s cultural identity and influenced other artists like Gustav Klimt. The artist studied at the Vienna Academy under Johann Frischbach and then traveled to Munich, Germany, to study with Karl von Piloty. Among his most famous artworks is The Entry of Charles V into Antwerp. The painting captured the triumphant arrival of the emperor after his battle against Protestant armies during the Reformation.

Austrian artist Carl Moll played a significant role in the Vienna Secession movement, contributing to the development of modern art in Austria. He studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Moll’s unique style consisted of atmospheric paintings with subtle color gradations and an emphasis on personal expression and experimentation. Among his notable paintings is At the Lunch Table, a serene look into the daily life of a family.

Austrian artist, performance artist, and composer Hermann Nitsch was known for his involvement in the Viennese Actionism movement. The artist had a unique artistic vision that characterized ritualistic actions, nudity, life, and death. One of his most celebrated pieces is Poured Painting: a wall of aggressively sprayed and smeared red paint that signifies splattered blood.

Austrian artist Egon Schiele was associated with the Expressionist movement. He was known for his expressive and figurative artworks. He joined a like-minded New Art group called Neukunstgruppe. Among his best-known works of art is Self Portrait with Physalis.

Austrian artist Hans Zatzka was known for his incredible depictions of religious themes, mythological scenes, and idyllic landscapes. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. He was inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner. Among his best-known artworks is The Guardian Angel, a piece that features an angel watching over young children, representing the idea that divine beings are always present to protect us.