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A Master of the Imperial Portrait

Joseph Hickel was an Austrian portrait painter born in Česká Lípa. After beginning his training under his father, he moved to Vienna to study at the Academy, where he focused his talents on portraiture. His skill caught the attention of Empress Maria Theresia, who sponsored his studies in Italy, leading him to paint high-ranking figures in Milan, Parma, and Florence. Despite a period of exile from the Viennese court due to slander, he was eventually appointed as a chamber painter to Emperor Joseph II in 1771. His prolific career resulted in over 3,000 paintings, many of which were later reproduced as copper engravings.

Style and Legacy

Hickel became deeply associated with the image of Emperor Joseph II, developing a signature style for the monarch's portraiture. His works often featured a specific head posture turned slightly to the left, characterized by prominent facial features and eyes that rested upon the viewer. Whether composing bust-length portraits or full-figure depictions, his technique was noted for its speed, powerful brushwork, and vivid color. His paintings are held in various collections, including those in Vienna, Potsdam, Florence, Stockholm, and Liechtenstein.