Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Peter Fendi died in 1842; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1912.
In context
Self-Portrait — Peter Fendi
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 46 at death.
Painted when the artist was 34. The artist lived to 46. 5 of the 20 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Peter Fendi (1796–1842) ▲ this work, 1830 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1829 Main working years: 1829–1838 Late works: from 1838
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/peter-fendi-self-portrait-D2LF2T-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #e1ddd1
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 21 works by this artist, of which 13 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 6 of them, with 4.0% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Vienna, Austria
Peter Fendi, born in Vienna’s heart on September 4th, 1796, was more than just a painter; he was a pivotal figure in the development of Austrian art during the Biedermeier period. His life, marked by an early physical challenge – a fall from a changing table as an infant that left him with lasting spinal issues – ironically fueled a remarkable talent for drawing and ultimately shaped his artistic vision. His father, a schoolmaster, recognized this innate ability, enrolling young Peter at the prestigious St. Anna’s Academy of Fine Art in 1810. There, under the tutelage of esteemed artists like Johann Martin Fischer, Hubert Maurer, and Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder, Fendi honed his skills, laying the foundation for a prolific career spanning oil paintings, watercolors, prints, etchings, lithographs, and even wood carving.
Fendi’s early professional life began at the Imperial Gallery of Coins and Antiquities in 1818, where he served as a draughtsman and engraver under Joseph Barth, an influential art collector and the personal ophthalmologist to Emperor Joseph II. This position provided invaluable access to artistic circles and exposed him to the meticulous detail demanded by imperial commissions. A significant milestone arrived in 1821 when Fendi received a gold medal for his oil painting Vilenica, solidifying his reputation within the Viennese art scene. This recognition led to election as a member of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna in 1836, further cementing his standing amongst his peers.
Fendi’s artistic style was deeply influenced by two distinct yet complementary sources: the Dutch masters and the Italian Renaissance. The realism and genre scenes prevalent in the works of artists like Adriaen Brouwer, Adriaen van Ostade, and Rembrandt resonated profoundly with Fendi, shaping his depictions of everyday life – bustling marketplaces, tavern scenes, and intimate domestic moments. These paintings are characterized by a keen observation of human behavior, often imbued with a subtle sense of humor or social commentary. Simultaneously, Fendi’s journey to Venice in 1821 proved transformative. Immersed in the opulent art collections of Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto, Titian, and Paolo Veronese, he absorbed their dramatic compositions, rich colors, and masterful use of light – elements that would later infuse his own work with a sense of grandeur and theatricality.
Beyond traditional painting techniques, Fendi was a true innovator in the field of lithography. His multicolored prints, particularly those produced in the 1830s and 40s, were groundbreaking for their time, demonstrating remarkable technical skill and artistic sensitivity. These prints weren’t merely reproductions; they were independent works of art, often depicting scenes from Viennese life with a vibrant palette and dynamic composition. Furthermore, Fendi was a highly sought-after portraitist, capturing the likenesses of both nobles and commoners alike. His portraits are notable for their psychological depth and ability to convey the personality of his subjects – a testament to his keen eye and understanding of human character. Notably, he engraved a series of five Austrian banknotes issued in 1841, showcasing his versatility as an engraver.
Peter Fendi’s legacy extends far beyond the individual artworks that bear his signature. He played a crucial role in shaping the Biedermeier aesthetic – characterized by its intimate scale, realistic depiction of everyday life, and subtle social commentary. His influence can be seen in the works of subsequent generations of Austrian artists. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with his innovative approach to lithography, cemented his place as one of the most important figures of the Biedermeier period. Today, Fendi’s paintings are preserved in prestigious collections such as the Albertina Museum, the Belvedere Gallery, and the Prince of Liechtenstein's collection in Vaduz, ensuring that his artistic contributions continue to be appreciated and studied for generations to come. His work offers a valuable glimpse into 19th-century Austrian society, capturing both its beauty and its complexities with remarkable skill and sensitivity.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/peter-fendi-self-portrait-D2LF2T-en/
Look closely
Self-Portrait — Peter Fendi
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Self-Portrait" connects the Biedermeier movement with Austria through its creator's birthplace.
To get a print of "Self-Portrait" by Peter Fendi, simply order it on this page: a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper.
The image of "Self-Portrait" by Peter Fendi can be downloaded from the artwork's Download page: a high-resolution digital image download.
"Self-Portrait" by Peter Fendi can be previewed on your own wall with the artwork's AR Preview page, using augmented reality on a compatible device.
"Self-Portrait" by Peter Fendi displays a strong color unity color harmony.
Artworks similar to "Self-Portrait" by Peter Fendi are gathered on the artwork's Similars page.
Peter Fendi made "Self-Portrait" in 1830.
In "Self-Portrait", a bold contrast is paired with a strong color unity harmony.