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Daniel Neuberger and the Art of Deception

on view until 9 June 2025
A wax sculpture by Daniel Neuberger of a detailed head of a man with curly hair and a red headscarf. He has a thoughtful expression on his face and is holding a hand to his chin. His robe is green with gold accents and the background is dark.

From February 2025, the Kunsthistorisches Museum will be dedicating an exhibition to the now largely forgotten artist Daniel Neuberger (1621-1680) and his impressive art of deception. This will be the first time ever he is honoured with a retrospective exhibition.

Tickets

Eine detailreiche Reliefdarstellung einer Schlacht, bei der Krieger zu Pferd und zu Fuß mit Waffen kämpfen. Die Szene vermittelt Dynamik und Action, umgeben von einem goldenen Rahmen, der die dramatischen Bewegungen und Emotionen der Kämpfenden betont.
The image features a framed display containing numerous small panels, each depicting various scenes of mythology or classical themes with pink-toned figures against darker backgrounds. The arrangement creates a cohesive visual narrative, highlighting intricate details and storytelling elements across the panels.

5 exhibition highlights

Tickets and opening times

Daniel Neuberger and the Art of deception demonstrates the master's virtuosity in sculpting with wax and imitating a wide variety of materials and surfaces. His artworks, frequently measuring no more than a few centimetres, were highly sought-after all over Europe and still impress today with their eye-deceiving illusionism.

A detailed relief sculpture depicts a dramatic scene featuring warriors and mythical creatures. Central figures include a partially draped warrior, engaged in battle, with horses and other figures visible in dynamic poses, conveying a sense of movement and tension.
The image depicts a detailed wooden panel featuring intricate relief carvings. The carvings include figures and scenes, with a combination of light and dark colors showcasing the textures. The wooden framework supports various artistic elements, creating a visually striking composition.
Nahaufnahme eines menschlichen Auges, das aus einer realistischen Wachsfigur stammt. Das Auge hat eine gelb-braune Iris mit einem schwarzen Mittelpunkt. Die Wimpern sind sichtbar, und die Haut um das Auge zeigt leichte Verfärbungen. Der Fokus liegt auf der Detailtreue des Auges.
A dramatic diorama depicts several skeletal figures seated and standing in a cave-like setting, surrounded by dark, textured walls. A grotesque creature lies below, with a hint of floral elements above, creating a surreal atmosphere of stillness and intrigue.

Address

Kunstkammer, Hochparterre
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
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Opening times

Tue - Sun, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thu until 9 pm
 

further visit information

Tickets

Adults €23
Reduced admission €19
Kids / Teens under 19 free

Tickets

On average, visitors spend around 1.5 hours in the Kunstkammer.

A genius of illusion

Neuberger was one of the most important and versatile artists at the imperial court. He was particularly well known for his ability to imitate or even surpass other natural materials such as ivory, iron, jewels, and wood using wax.

The image features a framed display containing numerous small panels, each depicting various scenes of mythology or classical themes with pink-toned figures against darker backgrounds. The arrangement creates a cohesive visual narrative, highlighting intricate details and storytelling elements across the panels.
A sculptural relief depicts two figures in a snowy landscape. One figure, bow in hand, chases the other, who is playfully reaching towards a branch. The scene is framed by stylized trees, creating a contrast between the figures and the icy background.
A detailed relief sculpture depicts a confrontation between a hero and a dragon. The hero, wielding a spear, prepares to strike the dragon, which has a fierce expression. The background features a dark forest and scattered skulls, enhancing the dramatic tension of the scene.
A relief sculpture depicts a scene in a wooded area, featuring figures in various poses. A woman holds a child and gestures, while three male figures interact nearby, one pointing and another appearing to walk with a creature. The background includes stylized trees and terrain.
A dramatic relief sculpture depicts a scene of tragedy: a woman leans over a lifeless man, cradling his head. Behind them are two smoking cauldrons and trees, suggesting a dark or chaotic atmosphere. The figures are rendered in contrasting colors, emphasizing their emotional connection.
A carved relief depicting a serene scene in a forest. A reclining figure lies peacefully, while another, standing and draped in fabric, appears contemplative. A small dog accompanies the standing figure, amidst detailed trees and foliage in the background, suggesting a tranquil, natural setting.
A sculptural scene depicting two figures with wings soaring through a cloudy sky. One figure appears to be flying upward, while the other flies below, both set against a backdrop of dramatic clouds and a faintly visible tower in the distance, with rays of light shining through.
A sculpted relief features a musician playing a lute surrounded by various animals, including an elephant, deer, and lions, in a lush forest setting. The intricate details depict harmony between the man and creatures, emphasizing a connection with nature.
A detailed relief sculpture depicts a classical scene with a naked female figure standing on a pedestal, facing a man in vibrant clothing. Surrounding them are architectural elements, clouds, and smaller figures, contributing to a mythological or allegorical theme. The overall composition suggests a narrative moment.
A detailed relief sculpture depicts a lively scene with figures wearing ancient attire. Some are engaged in joyous interactions, while others play musical instruments. The background features a tree and stylized foliage, creating a vibrant atmosphere that suggests celebration or festivity.
A relief sculpture depicts a dynamic scene with figures in classical attire, some interacting with livestock. Central figures appear to engage in a ritualistic or celebratory act amidst a backdrop of columns and arches, conveying a sense of movement and emotion within the dramatic composition.
The image features a framed display containing numerous small panels, each depicting various scenes of mythology or classical themes with pink-toned figures against darker backgrounds. The arrangement creates a cohesive visual narrative, highlighting intricate details and storytelling elements across the panels.

Between 1650 and 1663, Neuberger worked in Vienna and was active as wax sculptor and portraitist for Emperor Ferdinand III as well as his sons Ferdinand IV and Leopold I. This is where he created his main works, which are now at Kunsthistorisches Museum. Two of his most astonishing works – a sixty-part cycle depicting the Metamorphoses after Ovid and an allegorical depiction on the death of Emperor Ferdinand III – received a thorough restoration in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Kunstkammer in recent years and now form the core of this exhibition. These are complemented by a dozen waxworks from Neuberger’s Viennese creative period that are also on show.

Restaurierung Daniel Neubergers Allegorie auf den Tod Kaiser Ferdinands III.
(in German language, subtitles available)

Daniel Neuberger – Leben & Technik
(in German language, subtitles available)

Der Automatenkrimi - Konrad Schlegel über den Kaiserautomat
(in German language, subtitles available)

Der Kaiserautomat

His innovative technique, for which he was awarded a privilege from Leopold I, followed on from the trompe-l’œil (French for “deceive the eye”), which was extremely popular in 17th century painting. Neuberger transferred the concept to sculpture. His life-size wax figure of the emperor, which he is said to have made for the Viennese treasury and which is supposed to have had a hidden mechanism that allowed it to leave the onlooker with the impression of having come face to face with the actual emperor himself, was the stuff of legends.

Daniel Neuberger and the Art of deception offers visitors insight into the artist’s technical virtuosity and sophisticated manner of depiction which he combined with depth and complexity. Incorporating approaches from the liberal arts, conservation science, art history, and technology, this exhibition also gives a unique insight into modern-day museum work.

Tickets

A decorative bust displays a historical figure with a realistic facial expression, featuring long, dark hair and a prominent mustache. The figure is adorned in ornate armor and draped in a golden cloak. Below the bust, the letter
Eine realistische Kopfmaske mit einem blassen Teint, schmalen Lippen, und Augen, die leicht geöffnet sind. Sie hat einen gepflegten Schnurrbart und das Gesicht wirkt detailliert und lebensecht, aus einem hartem Material gefertigt. Der Hintergrund ist grau und neutral.
Nahaufnahme eines menschlichen Auges, das aus einer realistischen Wachsfigur stammt. Das Auge hat eine gelb-braune Iris mit einem schwarzen Mittelpunkt. Die Wimpern sind sichtbar, und die Haut um das Auge zeigt leichte Verfärbungen. Der Fokus liegt auf der Detailtreue des Auges.

Exhibition programme

Daniel Neuberger and the Art of Deception on the floor plan

Daniel Neuberger and the Art of Deception is located on the ground floor.

XIX XX XXI XXII XXIII XXIV XXIVa/b c XXV XXVI XXVII XXVIII XXIX XXXI XXXIII XXXV XXXVII XXXVI XXXIV XXXII XXX
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From February 2025, the Kunsthistorisches Museum will be dedicating an exhibition to the now largely forgotten artist Daniel Neuberger (1621-1680) and his impressive art of deception. This will be the first time ever he is honoured with a retrospective exhibition.

The Kunstkammer showcases approximately 2,200 fascinating objects, technical masterpieces, and rare materials such as ivory, ostrich eggs, and corals from the late Middle Ages to the Baroque period.

The exhibition catalog & exhibition products

Wachs in seinen Händen
Wachs in seinen Händen
€ 24,95
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Neuberger - The death of Emperor Ferdinand III as a symbol of transience
Neuberger - The death of Emperor Ferdinand III as a symbol of transience
€ 1,50
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Neuberger - Cadmus Fights the Dragon
Neuberger - Cadmus Fights the Dragon
€ 12,50
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Further exhibitions

Our exhibitions take you back to the rich history of our museum. Here, proven masterpieces meet newly explored themes - a look at art, culture and the past that continuously illuminates the collection.