Josef Hafner

Josef Hafner (22 May 1799, Enns – 10 April 1891, Linz) was an Austrian painter and color lithographer.

Not to be confused with the German decorative painter, Josef Anton Hafner (1709-1756)
Inn of the White Goose, Linz

Life and work

His father was the administrator of the prison at the old monastery in Baumgartenberg. In 1811, the prison was moved to Linz Castle and his family followed. There, he began to take drawing lessons at the elementary school. When he was old enough, his father allowed him to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he won several awards.

After returning to Linz in 1827, he set up the first lithographic institute there. At first, he found it necessary to give private drawing lessons to maintain the institute, but it was eventually successful and would remain in business for thirty-six years, until photography became more popular.

He created over 180 views of Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria, as well as 200 of Linz; including panoramas, maps and portraits. In 1841, he received a special award for a map of the Diocese of Linz. He opened two shops to sell his works; one on the Main Plaza.

He served on the Municipal Council for twelve years, sat on the central committee of the General Savings Bank, and was head of the art department on the administrative board of the Upper Austrian State Museums. He was also an avid collector of watches. His collection was acquired by the State Museums in 1905.

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