(Baptism in Lucerne January 23, 1749. Died
in Lucerne May 28, 1824.)
The well-known 18th Century Swiss artist Joseph Reinhardt was a successful Lucerne portraitist and religious painter who also produced a famous series of outstanding engravings onSwiss folkloric themes.
As a young man, Reinhardt studied in Italy (in Lucca and in Rome) where after his money ran out, he also worked
for a time as one of the Swiss Guards at the
Vatican.
After returning to Luzern, he earned
a living painting religious works, including
several large altarpieces. Gradually he also began to gain reputation as a portraitist.
Between 1796 and 1802 Reinhardt traveled through Switzerland
to document national costumes for his famous
major cycle of prints on Swiss peasants.
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