Zell am See with Steinernes Meer

During the latter half of the 19th century, a popular subject in the art world was a heroic, romanticised interpretation of the Alpine landscape, an aspect of the Biedermeier landscape with a trend towards dramatic, monumental forms of expression. Their models included compositions by Friedrich Gauermann (1807–1862) and Swiss Alpine painter Alexander Calame (1810–1864), whose works were also known in Austria. Schweninger’s painting is a good example of this.
The impressive background of the snow-covered Steinernes Meer rises sparkling above the smooth waters of the lake, with a peasant genre scene on the banks. The Grosser Hundstod towers between the craggy peaks. Visible from afar is the distinctive tower of the mediaeval Zell am See church. Only a few buildings suggest the town, since there are none along the banks; the large hotels were not built until after 1890. Long shadows indicate the late afternoon.

Habersatter Thomas: Karl (Carl) Schweninger the Elder, Zell am See with Steinernes Meer. In: Ducke Astrid, Habersatter Thomas (Hg./Ed.): Stadt - Land - Berg. Salzburg und seine Umgebung. Town - Landscape - Mountain. Salzburg and surroundings. Residenzgalerie Salzburg. Salzburg 2022, p. 120, illus. p. 121