The posthumous portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart remains the primary image associated with the composer, a work executed by the Austrian artist Barbara Krafft. Born in Jihlava in 1764, she established herself within the visual arts during a period when professional training and academic recognition were dictated by rigid institutional structures within the Austrian Empire.
Early Training and Vienna
Instruction in the visual arts began under the guidance of her father, Johann Nepomuk Steiner, who served as an Austrian Imperial court painter. This foundational training allowed her to enter the public sphere, evidenced by her exhibition debut at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1786.
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Marriage to the Viennese pharmacist Josef Krafft occurred in 1789, though the union eventually ended in separation by 1804. Between 1794 and 1803, she navigated an independent career trajectory, travelling between Salzburg, Prague, and Jihlava. During these years, she solidified her reputation as a capable portraitist while diversifying her output to include religious and genre paintings.
Salzburg and Bamberg
Following her separation, she relocated to Salzburg, where she maintained a residence until 1821. Her final professional chapter unfolded in Bamberg, where she received the appointment of City Painter. In this capacity, she completed 145 works during her concluding four years. She died in 1825 at the age of 61.
Fast facts
- Born: 1764, Jihlava
- Died: 1825, Bamberg
- Citizenship: Austrian Empire
- Occupations: Artist, painter, portraitist
- Notable work: Portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Family: Daughter of Johann Nepomuk Steiner
- Offspring: Johann August Krafft
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Barbara Krafft paint?
She was primarily recognized as a portraitist, though she also produced genre and religious works.
Did Barbara Krafft have any students?
Yes, she provided artistic instruction to her son, Johann August Krafft, who went on to work as a painter and lithographer.
Achievements
- Notable work: Portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
