Experience the Face to Face Portraiture Exhibition and Cultural Attractions at DomQuartier Salzburg

This exhibition examines the democratization of portraiture in 19th-century Austria, showcasing a diverse array of painting styles and techniques. It explores how portraits functioned as tools for self-presentation among both the nobility and the bourgeoisie, while drawing parallels to modern photographic self-staging.

The exhibition 'Face to Face' offers an insightful look into the transformation of Austrian portraiture during the 19th century. During this era, the practice of portrait painting underwent a significant process of democratization, moving beyond rulers and aristocracy to include members of the rising bourgeoisie. The displayed works highlight a wealth of artistic styles, techniques, and types, ranging from intimate self-portraits and family groupings to studio portraits of children and adults. By presenting subjects as they wished to be perceived, the collection illuminates how portraiture served as a primary medium for personal and social self-presentation. Furthermore, the exhibition connects this historical phenomenon to the shifting landscape of visual culture. The rise of photography in the 1860s is identified as a catalyst for these new modes of representation, and the exhibition draws compelling parallels between historical portraiture and contemporary habits of self-staging on platforms like Instagram. Curated by Astrid Ducke and Thomas Habersatter, the display features notable artists including Gustav Klimt, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, and Hans Makart, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of how the human face has been captured and codified for identity and social recognition throughout history.

Information regarding the exhibition catalogue is available in the museum shop and online via the DomQuartier shop. Visitors can also access a virtual tour of the exhibition online.