Franz von Hauslab

Franz von Hauslab is known for a small but specific body of work executed during a brief active period around 1809 and 1810. While definitive biographical dates remain elusive, the artist’s output is established through fifteen drawings preserved in major institutional holdings.

The totality of known works by Franz von Hauslab is represented by holdings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The documented subjects reflect interests in history, literature, allegory, and travel, all rendered in the medium of drawing.

Historical and allegorical themes are prominent, including the detailed political reference piece Allegory of Victory of Russians over Napoleon's Army, from a poem by Cremes, and the related Allegory of Victory: Soldier Being Crowned by Laurels. Literary inspirations are also evident in works such as Assembly of Roman Figures, from Regulus, a play by Collin. Additional subjects include the architectural study Interior of the Alhambra(?), and a general Landscape. The consistent representation of these objects in a major collection confirms their status as museum-quality works.

Though his output appears highly specialized and confined to the early nineteenth century, the documentation of these drawings provides important insights into period subject matter. Today, as historical images enter the public domain, the documentation of Franz von Hauslab prints contributes to the growing accessibility of downloadable artwork for researchers and collectors.