Daniel Neuberger and the Art of Deception

11 February to 9 June 2025

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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.

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 the 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.

Daniel Neuberger and the Art of deception offers 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.