The silent death of Biedermeier: Poverty and Schubert in focus

The silent death of Biedermeier: Poverty and Schubert in focus

Vienna around 1820 was a place full of contradictions, characterized by cultural prosperity but also by massive poverty and disease. This fascinating era that we call Biedermeier is explored in the latest episode of the podcast by butterfly examined in detail by Florian Klenk and Christian Reiter. The two experts are dedicated to the life of the famous composer Franz Schubert, whose remains were recently examined. Schubert's life exemplifies the challenges of the Biedermeier era - characterized by restrictions and the pursuit of artistic expression despite adverse circumstances.

The situation of children in Vienna was particularly worrying: around 1820, around 80% of children born out of wedlock were sent to foundlings, and a shocking 90% of them suffered premature death within the first year of life. Poverty was widespread and many households had no opportunity to raise a family. Lack of money, lack of living space and lack of prospects were the order of the day. In this context, Schubert grew up in a family of teachers and became a choir boy, assistant teacher and finally house musician for nobles - until his early death took his life at the age of 31.

The Biedermeier era and its significance

The Biedermeier period, which spanned from 1815 to 1848, is more than just a literary or artistic movement. Loud Wikipedia It was a reaction to the Napoleonic Wars and reflects the political stability under Klemens von Metternich. One of the striking features of this era is the growth of the middle class, which found expression in literature, music, fine art and interior design. The art of this time was calm, domestic and often influenced by topics of private life.

Biedermeier culture valued affect, sensitivity, moderation and modesty; Values ​​that were manifested in the works of important artists such as Beethoven, Schubert and the painters Carl Spitzweg and Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller. What is particularly striking is that political issues often faded into the background, while domestic and everyday concerns played a central role. This return to the everyday was also promoted by technical and economic changes such as the beginning of railway construction and the construction of water pipes.

The social reality

Despite the cultural flourishing, the reality was different for many Viennese. Civil life was largely determined by the contradictions of the time. Half of all households were affected by the fact that spouses had no future prospects. A sense of confinement and a post-war mentality characterized people, while at the same time striving for a better life.

An impressive example of this era can be found in the painting “The Alt Family's Pawn Game in the Garden”, created around 1840 by Franz Alt. It depicts middle-class life and is part of the collection in the Vienna Museum. This picture illustrates what the Biedermeier period was like - a mixture of hope and despair, of art and everyday life. It was a cultural heyday, during which many important personalities emerged who continue to shape Viennese society today.

Looking at the Biedermeier period allows us to understand not only the works of art and literary movements of that time, but also the social circumstances that determined people's lives around 200 years ago. It shows us how profound the desire for a better life was in a difficult time and how this desire also shaped the culture of this era. A fascinating chapter of Viennese history that is still relevant today.