Josef Löwy and the early photographic reproduction of paintings in the Belvedere

At the end of the 19th century, the techniques of photographic painting reproduction were perfected and developed into a new line of business. In this context, the imperial gallery in the Belvedere also aroused the interest of photographers across Europe who specialised in art reproductions. In 1887, the court photographer Josef Löwy (1834-1902) was awarded the contract. Löwy set up a temporary studio below the staircase in front of the terrace of the Belvedere Palace.