Der Überfall auf Berlin 1757

Art Historical Context

**Der Überfall auf Berlin 7** (The Raid on Berlin 1757) is a captivating historical painting by Karl von Blaas, an esteemed Austrian artist active in the mid-19th century. around 1865, oil on canvas measures a perfect square of 87 x 87 cm, now housed in Vienna's Belvedere Collection. Blaas, a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts and part of the historicist tradition specialized in dramatic scenes from European history, blending meticulous detail with emotional intensity to revive pivotal moments. The artwork depicts a bold Austrian raid on Berlin during the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), specifically the surprise attack led by Marshal Leopold von Daun on October 16, 1757. This event humiliated Prussian King Frederick the Great, showcasing Austria's tactical prowess amid the brutal global conflict that reshaped European power dynamics. Von Blaas captures the chaos and heroism, using the medium's rich oils to convey dynamic movement, vivid uniforms, and the tension of battle—hallmarks of 19th-century Romantic historicism. Its square format invites balanced contemplation, emphasizing symmetry in turmoil, while its place in the Belvedere underscores Vienna's pride in Habsburg military triumphs. A window into wartime valor, this piece reminds us how art preserves the echoes of history for modern eyes.

About the Artist

Karl von Blaas · 1815–1894

Austrian, Nauders (Tyrol) 1815–1894 Vienna