Aus Venedig (1897)

Karl Kaufmann prints are a journey across 19th-century Europe, from the canals of Venice to the fjords of Norway. Kaufmann was an Austrian landscape and architectural painter who traveled widely and painted a remarkable number of Venetian views. This collection gathers art prints of his Venice scenes, views of Rome, Naples and Florence, busy streets in Constantinople, Norwegian fjords and Alpine lakes.

About Karl Kaufmann

Karl Kaufmann was born in 1843 in Neplachowitz, in Austrian Silesia (today Neplachovice in the Czech Republic). He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna.

His study trips took him north to Norway, to Holland, to Germany, including Franconia, Danzig and Königsberg, and again and again to Italy, especially Naples, Rome and Venice. These journeys gave him the subjects for his many landscapes and city views.

Kaufmann worked under many different names. Auction houses have recorded more than two dozen pseudonyms, including Charles Marchand, J. Holmstedt and F. Gilbert, and he often used them on his paintings. From 1900 he lived permanently in Vienna, where he died on 27 April 1905. His younger brother Adolf Kaufmann was also a landscape and marine painter. Today most of his paintings are in private collections.

Style and Subjects

Kaufmann painted detailed, sunny views of famous places. In Venice he returned again and again to the Grand Canal, Santa Maria della Salute, St Mark's and the quieter side canals, with gondolas and sailing boats on calm, reflective water. His Italian views also include Rome with Castel Sant'Angelo, the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius, Florence, Bologna and Cremona.

He also painted lively Oriental street scenes and views of Constantinople, as well as cooler northern subjects: deep Norwegian fjords, mountain lakes and Alpine landscapes. His pictures are clear and carefully drawn, with warm light and plenty of small figures.

Famous Works

• Venice, a View of Santa Maria della Salute. The great domed church at the mouth of the Grand Canal.
• Venice, Riva dei Sette Martiri. The broad waterfront promenade of Venice.
• Rome, View of the Castel Sant'Angelo. The papal fortress on the Tiber.
• View of Vesuvius. The volcano rising over the Bay of Naples.
• Drontheim Fjord. A northern view from his travels in Norway.

Decorating with Kaufmann Prints

Kaufmann's sunny Venice and Italian views bring a holiday mood to a living room, dining room or hallway. Their warm golds, soft blues and creamy stone colors suit classic interiors and look good in gilt or wood frames.

His fjords and mountain lakes add cool, calm color to a bedroom or study, and a group of his city views makes a fine travel-themed gallery wall.

FAQ

Who was Karl Kaufmann?

Karl Kaufmann was an Austrian landscape and architectural painter, born in Austrian Silesia in 1843 and trained at the Vienna Academy. He is best known for his views of Venice and other European cities.

What did Karl Kaufmann paint?

He painted city views and landscapes from his travels: Venice, Rome, Naples and Florence, Constantinople, Holland, Germany, Norway and the Alps. Venice was his most frequent subject.

Why do Kaufmann's paintings have different names on them?

Kaufmann often used pseudonyms on his paintings, including Charles Marchand, J. Holmstedt, F. Gilbert and many others. Some works in this collection still carry one of these names in their titles.

Where can I see Karl Kaufmann's original paintings?

Most of his paintings are in private collections, and they appear regularly at auction.

How can you recognize a Karl Kaufmann painting?

Look for clear, detailed views of famous places, especially Venice, with calm water, warm light, gondolas or boats, and small figures going about their day.

Related Artists

• Adolf Kaufmann — his younger brother, a landscape and marine painter
• Antonietta Brandeis — fellow painter of detailed Venetian views
• Rudolf von Alt — leading Viennese painter of city views
• Franz Richard Unterberger — Austrian painter of Venice and Italian coasts