The North Facade of the Oberes Belvedere in Vienna

Salomon Kleiner's "The North Facade of the Oberes Belvedere in Vienna" offers a detailed architectural study of one of Vienna's most iconic Baroque palaces. Created around 1700, this drawing predates many of Kleiner's more widely known engraved works, such as the grand architectural series documenting the residences and gardens of Prince Eugene of Savoy, which he published later (1731–40). This early work showcases Kleiner's remarkable precision and his burgeoning talent for rendering complex structures with accuracy. The medium of pen and brown ink with washes highlights the intricate details of the facade, from the rhythmic arrangement of windows to the sculptural elements adorning the building. Kleiner, known for his architectural vedute and topographical views, meticulously captured the grandeur of the Belvedere, a masterpiece by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. This piece provides a fascinating glimpse into the artist's foundational skills before he became a celebrated engraver, whose works, like those found in the Met Museum collection, extensively documented the magnificent estates and gardens of his era.