Füger, Friedrich Heinrich#
b. Heilbronn (Germany), Dec. 8, 1751, d. Vienna, Nov. 5, 1818, painter. From 1774 lived in Vienna and was supported by the imperial court. Travelled to Rome and Naples and studied the Italian masters. In 1795 became head of the Academy and was head of the Imperial Picture Gallery in Vienna from 1806. Recognised as the most important portraitist and miniaturist among Austrian aristocrats and is also known as a painter of historical subjects. Influenced by A. R. Meng he paved the way for Austrian classicism. While his miniatures are often painted in a surprisingly easy style with fascinating colour combinations, he generally adhered to a strict style in his paintings, which clearly displayed his inclination to pathos and dramatic elements.
Literature#
H. F. F., exhibition catalogue, Heilbronn 1968; A. U. Schwarzenberg, Studien zu F. H. F., doctoral thesis, Vienna 1974.