Kunsthistorisches Museum II, Vienna

2014, Printed Later
Archival lambda color photograph
39.4
x
47.25
in

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 II, Vienna” captures a stunning view down a grand hallway within one of Vienna’s most iconic cultural landmarks. The photograph showcases the elegance and architectural splendor of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, highlighting its rich historical and artistic heritage.

In this image, the hallway is flanked by magnificent red marble columns on either side, which add a sense of opulence and grandeur to the space. The red marble, with its deep, lustrous hues, contrasts beautifully with the lighter tones of the walls and floor, creating a striking visual effect. The symmetry and repetition of the columns draw the viewer’s eye down the length of the hallway, enhancing the sense of depth and perspective.

Light floods into the hallway from the skylight in the dome at the top of the image. This natural illumination bathes the space in a soft, diffused glow, highlighting the intricate details of the architectural features and casting subtle shadows that add texture and dimension. The dome itself, with its ornate design and grandeur, is a focal point that elevates the overall aesthetic of the hallway.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, founded in 1891 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, was designed to house the extensive art collections of the Habsburg dynasty. Architects Gottfried Semper and Carl von Hasenauer created the museum’s historicist architecture, which reflects the grandeur and cultural significance of the Habsburg era.

Listri’s photograph captures not only the physical beauty of the museum’s interior but also its historical and cultural essence. Through his lens, viewers are invited to experience the harmonious blend of art and architecture that characterizes the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The image serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Habsburgs and their contribution to the cultural heritage of Vienna and the world.

This breathtaking view down the hallway, with its red marble columns and skylit dome, encapsulates the timeless elegance and artistic richness that define the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Listri’s masterful composition and keen eye for detail transform the architectural space into a work of art in its own right, inviting viewers to appreciate the museum’s grandeur and historical significance.