Karl Russ

Karl Russ (1779–1843), Austrian, Karl Russ, an Austrian painter of the Biedermeier era, was born on August 4, 1779, in Vienna, where he also passed away on September 19, 1843. His artistic journey began at the Vienna Academy, where he honed his skills, leading him to specialize in scenes from mythology, antiquity, and Austrian history. In 1806, Russ contributed to the interior decoration of the Albertina, marking a significant milestone in his career. By 1810, he had become the court painter to Archduke Johann, accompanying him on travels through Styria to capture the essence of the region's landscapes and people. This partnership yielded a remarkable series of watercolors documenting the traditional attire of Styria's rural inhabitants, preserving a vivid snapshot of early 19th-century folk culture. Russ's dedication to his craft and his role in documenting cultural heritage earned him the position of first custodian at the imperial and royal picture gallery in Belvedere Palace by 1821. His legacy includes notable works such as the lunette painting 'God the Father as Creator of the World' and two panel paintings, 'Baptism of Christ' and 'Maria Immaculata,' in the parish church of Thernberg. Russ's contributions to art and culture were commemorated in 1927 with the naming of the Rußweg in Vienna-Hietzing after him and his son, Leander Russ.