Die fünf Sinne: Das Gehör

About this artwork

Allgemeiner Katalogtext siehe Frodl, Makart, 2013, Kat. Nr. 392/1–5.

Art Historical Context

Hans Makart's *Die fünf Sinne: Gehör* (The Senses: Hearing), between 1872 and1879, is a oil on canvas from the Belvedere Collection in Vienna. This monumental painting, measuring 314 x 70 cm, forms part of a lavish series allegorizing the human senses, a theme rooted in Renaissance traditions but reimagined through Makart's signature opulence. As a leading figure of Viennese Historicism—often called the "Makart"—the artist blended Baroque grandeur with 19th-century sensuality, drawing inspiration from masters like Rubens and Titian to create theatrical, richly colored compositions that celebrated beauty and excess. The tall, narrow format suggests these works were designed as decorative panels, perhaps for an aristocratic interior, evoking the splendor of Vienna's Ringstrasse era during the Habsburg monarchy. Makart's masterful oil technique shines in his lush brushwork, vibrant pigments, and dramatic lighting, which immerse viewers in a world of sensory delight. Here, hearing is likely personified through musical motifs, inviting contemplation of how art heightens our perceptions. Housed in the Belvedere, this piece exemplifies Makart's cultural impact as Vienna's "painter prince," whose extravagant style influenced fashion, theater, and even Wagner's operas. For visitors, it offers a window into 19th-century indulgence, reminding us how the senses intertwine with human experience. (198 words)

About the Artist

Hans Makart · 1840–1884

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