Anton Schiffer, probably a grandson or close relative of the Styrian painter Matthias Schiffer, began his studies at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts in 1833, where he was also listed as a painter's son. As early as 1835 he participated in the annual exhibition of the Academy with two landscapes, which he regularly continued to do over the following years. From 1852 his works were also frequently represented in the monthly exhibitions of the “Österreichischer Kunstverein”. Schiffer's art gained recognition early on, his view of the Schneeberg was acquired by the Belvedere during his lifetime. The artist is also known for decorating the salon of a villa on the Kahlenberg in 1838 with a series of gouaches - partly copies of famous landscapes, partly his own compositions and studies from nature. Characteristic of Schiffer's landscapes is their meticulous approach. Observing closely, he captured all the details. For all the realism in his depictions, his preference for a restrained rhythmic approach is evident, conveyed by light and shadow as well as the palette he uses. Anton Schiffer is one of the most amiable and significant chroniclers among the landscapists of the Austrian Biedermeier.
LiteratureNachschlagewerke: Wurzbach, Thieme-Becker, Müller-Singer, Bénézit, Boetticher, Busse Nr. 71674