Hector (1871)

Carl Reichert prints bring a houseful of pugs, dachshunds, St Bernards and playful kittens into your home. Reichert was an Austrian painter from Vienna who worked in Graz and became one of the most sought-after dog and animal painters of his day, recommended to the imperial court in Vienna. Our collection of fine art prints includes his dog portraits, hunting dogs, puppy and kitten scenes, and a few horses and stable pictures.

About Carl Reichert

Carl Reichert (also spelled Karl) was born in Vienna on 27 August 1836, the son of Heinrich Reichert, a history painter, lithographer and photographer. From 1850–51 he studied at the drawing academy of the Styrian estates in Graz. In 1854, with his teacher and friend Josef Kuwasseg, he made an album of drawings for Archduchess Sophie recording Graz castle before and after its partial demolition.

In his early career he was a landscape painter. Between 1855 and 1860 he painted views of the castles and palaces of Styria, and in 1865 he completed a book of town views called Einst und Jetzt (Then and Now), begun by his father. From 1866 to 1869 he travelled in Italy.

His career as an animal painter began when Count Hügel of Schloss Rheinthal asked him to paint his two pointers. Princess Claudine Teck was so impressed that she recommended him to the Austrian imperial court, and the store's collection includes his portrait of Shadow, a dog belonging to Empress Elisabeth (1873). Working also under the pseudonym J. Hartung, he made some 600 animal pictures, mostly horses and dogs, which were in great demand. In all he painted about 675 landscapes and 583 animal pictures. He died in Graz on 5 April 1918.

Style and Subjects

Reichert painted dogs as individuals, with close attention to coat, posture and expression. His pictures range from formal portraits of a single dog, a Great Dane, a borzoi or a German shorthaired pointer, to lively scenes of puppies and kittens up to mischief: dachshunds discovering a frog, a pug with a Japanese doll, kittens giving a recital.

Many scenes are set in cosy interiors with cushions, baskets and furniture, while his hunting pictures show gundogs with game in the field. The collection reflects this range, from Two Great Danes in a Vast Landscape (1869) to The Bone (1915).

Famous Works

• Two Great Danes in a Vast Landscape (1869). An early dog picture, from the years when his animal career was beginning.
• Shadow, Dog of Empress Elisabeth (1873). A portrait of one of the Empress's dogs, from his years of imperial patronage.
• The Master of the House (1886). A dog firmly in charge of its domestic domain.
• Well-Guarded Sleep (1886). A watchful dog keeping guard over a sleeper.
• A Pug with a Japanese Doll (1898). A playful pug with a Japanese doll, a typical light-hearted interior.
• Four Dachshunds (1900). A group portrait of a breed he painted often.
• The Kittens' Recital (1908). Kittens at play among musical things, one of his cat scenes.

Decorating with Reichert Prints

Reichert's dog portraits are a natural choice for dog lovers and make thoughtful gifts. Pick the breed you love, a pug, dachshund, St Bernard or Great Dane, and hang it in a hallway, mudroom, home office or family room. Four Dachshunds or Young pug adds warmth and humour to a kitchen or breakfast nook.

The hunting dogs, such as Gordon Setter with Mallard Duck, suit a study, library or country-style room with wood and leather. The kitten scenes, like Playful kittens, are charming in a child's room or reading corner.

FAQ

Who was Carl Reichert?

Carl Reichert (1836–1918) was an Austrian painter, born in Vienna and based in Graz, known above all for his paintings of dogs and other animals. He also painted many landscapes early in his career.

Did Carl Reichert paint for the imperial court?

Yes. After he painted Count Hügel's pointers, Princess Claudine Teck recommended him to the Austrian imperial court. The collection includes his portrait of Shadow, a dog of Empress Elisabeth (1873).

Why do some of his paintings carry a different name?

He also worked under the pseudonym J. Hartung, producing some 600 animal pictures, mostly horses and dogs, which were very popular.

How many paintings did Reichert make?

His works include about 675 landscapes, 583 animal pictures and four portraits.

Related Artists

• Josef Kuwasseg: his teacher and friend in Graz, with whom he made the Graz castle album