View from Guggental

Breaking through the clouds, the low-lying sun bathes the landscape of the Salzburg basin in warm light. Long shadows portend the advent of evening. The day’s work is evidently done, the golden haycocks shimmering as the grass dries and the peasant folk resting. Light and dark areas of land alternate; seen against the light, only the contours of various reference points are recognisable.
This is an unusual view, painted with loose brush-strokes to achieve a harmonious overall impression. The view from above shows an idyllic, comfortable landscape. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with the location, Makart has indicated the title and the principal sights in the grey border at the bottom of the picture.
In 1825, Franz Steinfeld (1787–1868) had adopted a similar standpoint for a signed and dated work (privately owned).

HABERSATTER Thomas: Blick auf Salzburg/Focus on Salzburg, in: DUCKE Astrid, HABERSATTER Thomas (Hrsg./Edited): Stadt ∙ Land ∙ Berg. Salzburg und seine Umgebung. Town ∙ Landscape ∙ Mountain. Salzburg and surroundings. Residenzgalerie Salzburg. Salzburg 2022, S./p. 36–37