Lot Essay
Rudolf von Alt, was a pupil of his father, the artist Jakob von Alt, who in 1837 had been commissioned by the Austrian Archduke (later Emperor) Ferdinand, to produce over 600 views of Austria. Alt's two sons accompanied him on study trips for earlier commissions, colouring his drawings and learning to paint the surrounding landscape. Of the two sons Rudolf was the most talented and soon surpassed his father and brother in excellence and precision. Like his father, Rudolf painted many beautiful depictions of Vienna and the surrounding towns and even on occassion executed some of Jakob's commissions for him, as by 1850 his father had largely stopped painting.
This work has been authenticated by Dr. Koschatzky on the basis of a photograph.
This work has been authenticated by Dr. Koschatzky on the basis of a photograph.