74. Eduard von Engerth

Eduard von Engerth, the former director of the Vienna Imperial Picture Gallery, died on July 28 [1897]. He was a painter by profession. As such, he belonged to an old, outdated school. However, he will always be remembered when his paintings are seen in the Vienna Opera House: the cycle of the Orpheus myth on the walls of the imperial staircase and the seven paintings for “Figaro's Wedding”. As director of the Picture Gallery, he earned his merits by ensuring that a catalogue of this art institute was produced. Those who emphasize the shortcomings of this catalog may be right. It was important that the work was done, and Engerth dedicated himself to it as best he could.