Herbert Karner

Herbert Karner serves as Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Art History, and Deputy Interim Director at the Institute of Art History (IKM) within the Faculty of History and Cultural Studies at the University of Vienna. He concurrently holds a research associate position at the Commission for Art History of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

His academic background includes:

• Art History studies at University of Vienna (1983-1989)
• Doctorate (1995) on 'Reception of Andrea Pozzo's pseudo-architectural work in Central Europe in the 18th century' (supervised by Hermann Fillitz/Richard Bösel)
• Habilitation (2012)

Professor Karner's research centers on Art History with specialized expertise in Architectural History and Baroque Art traditions. His work critically examines Representation of Power through public monuments and spatial design, while leading pioneering studies on Baroque ceiling painting across Central Europe. Additional investigations explore historical cartography's role in cultural representation and Austrian-specific art historical developments, particularly regarding court residences like the Vienna Hofburg.

He secured Austrian Research Fund (FWF) support (2004-2009) for the Vienna Hofburg architectural project and represented Austria on the European Science Foundation's 'Palatium' initiative (2010-2015) studying transnational court residences. Since 2016, he has directed the international Research Group 'Baroque Ceiling Painting in Central Europe' (BCPCE).

Within institutional frameworks, Professor Karner leads the Department of Art History while contributing to the IKM's strategic direction. He actively participates in scholarly communities including the Association of Austrian Art Historians, University of Vienna's Art History Society, and OGE 18 (Austrian Society for 18th Century Studies).