Franz Christoph Janneck (1703-1761), Franz Christoph Janneck (1703-1761) Feast in the park Musical company in the park

Oil on canvas, 39.5 × 49 cm

Franz Christoph Janneck's artistic journey began with his enrollment at the newly established court academy of painters, sculptors, and architects in Vienna in 1726, followed by further studies in Frankfurt am Main. His dedication to his craft led to a distinguished tenure as a professor at the Vienna Academy, where he eventually ascended to the position of rector from 1752 to 1754. Janneck primarily created cabinet paintings, but also altarpieces. His work, exude a palpable sense of narrative joy and vitality, exemplified by the vibrant energy emanating from these two exemplary pieces

Feast in the park
A scene unfolds at an elegant outdoor gathering where a select group convenes around a lavishly set table. A centerpiece peacock pie commands attention amidst the festivities. Approaching from the left, a young cavalier enters the scene, offering his courteous salutations to the lady in white seated at the forefront of the table. Adjacent to her, an older woman with a delicate veil drapes over her head adds a touch of refinement to the gathering. On the opposite end, a young woman clad in a vibrant red skirt captures the gaze of a gentleman, engaged in casual conversation over a glass of wine. Meanwhile, a cleric occupies a distinguished position at the table's end, lending an air of solemnity to the affair.

Completing the tableau, a skilled musician serenades the gathering with a lute, while a tantalizing array of fruits graces a nearby stool. Positioned strategically, a wine cooler stands ready to refresh the company's libations. Beyond the revelry, a majestic coastal landscape unfolds to the right, juxtaposed against the grandeur of a palace wall on the left, adding a picturesque backdrop to the scene.

Musical company in the park
A scene of refined leisure unfolds within the tranquil confines of a park, where an elegant gathering indulges in musical pursuits. At the heart of the assembly, a lady in resplendent blue attire graciously passes a sheet of music to a cavalier, poised with a cello in hand. Beside her, a young girl, likely her daughter, approaches bearing a basket adorned with freshly plucked flowers. However, the girl's attention is momentarily captivated by the antics of a monkey perched upon a nearby pedestal, engaging in playful antics with a page.

To the front right, a youthful singer and a lute player await their cues, exuding an air of anticipation. Their attire, indicative of aristocratic lineage, distinguishes them as amateur musicians partaking in the genteel pastime. Adjacent, a refined couple stands in quiet conversation, while in the background, a servant gracefully delivers a tray laden with refreshments, further enhancing the ambiance of sophistication.

The verdant backdrop of the park frames the scene, with a pair of trees anchoring the central axis behind the main group. To the left, meticulously landscaped grounds unfold, adorned with ornate features such as a bridge adorned with statuary, leading to the park's entrance. Against the canvas of the evening sky, a gracefully arched portico adds a touch of architectural elegance to the idyllic setting. Oil on canvas, 39.5 × 49 cm. Expertise Dr. Christina Pucher