Kunsthistorisches Museum I, Vienna

Signed, titled, dated and from edition of 5 on artist’s label on verso.

Available in 3 sizes: 100 x 120 cm. (39.4 x 47.2 in.), 120 x 150 cm. (47.2 x 59.1 in.), 180 x 225 cm. (70.9 x 88.6 in.)

Massimo Listri’s “Kunsthistorisches Museum I, Vienna” captures the majestic interior of one of the world’s most renowned art museums from a unique vantage point. Shot from the top of a grand staircase, the photograph offers an expansive view across a long hallway, with staircases leading both up to the third floor and down to the first floor.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, located in Vienna, Austria, was established by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1891. The museum was built to house the extensive art collections of the Habsburg family and to make them accessible to the public. Designed by architects Gottfried Semper and Carl von Hasenauer, the building itself is a masterpiece of historicist architecture, reflecting the grandeur and opulence of the Habsburg era.

Listri’s photograph beautifully captures the architectural splendor of the museum. The ornate ceiling, adorned with intricate frescoes and gilded decorations, draws the eye upward, emphasizing the verticality of the space. The long hallway, lined with columns and arches, leads the viewer’s gaze towards the distant staircases, creating a sense of depth and perspective.

The interplay of light and shadow in the photograph enhances the richness of the architectural details. Sunlight streaming through large windows illuminates the marble floors and the elegant balustrades of the staircases, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and artistry that define the museum’s interior.

Through his lens, Listri invites viewers to appreciate the harmonious blend of art and architecture that characterizes the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The photograph not only captures the physical beauty of the space but also evokes a sense of history and cultural heritage, reflecting the museum’s role as a guardian of some of the world’s most significant art treasures.