Werner Telesko

Werner Telesko is an Associate Professor at the University of Vienna's Faculty of History and Cultural Studies, Institute of Art History, and serves as Director of the Institute for Art and Music History Research at the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2013. He holds multiple leadership positions within the Austrian Academy of Sciences, including Art History Officer in scholarship programs and Deputy Chairman of several scientific advisory boards. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to Central European art history.

Telesko's research focuses on iconography of visual arts in the early modern period, Baroque ceiling paintings, historicist visual arts, and Austrian art in the 19th century. His scholarly work examines representation, art and cultural geography, with particular attention to Habsburg visual culture and identity formation. His publications reveal a consistent interest in how visual arts reflect and shape political, religious, and cultural identities across different historical periods.

His extensive publication record shows a methodological approach combining close visual analysis with cultural and political context. Telesko's work frequently explores the relationship between art and power, particularly in Habsburg contexts, examining how visual culture served monarchical representation and national identity formation. His research spans medieval through 19th century art, with special expertise in Baroque and historicist periods.

• Annual Austrian History Lecture at LSE (2013)
• Anniversary Prize of the Böhlau publishing house (2007)
• Cardinal Innitzer Prize of the Archdiocese of Vienna (2004)
• APART research scholarship of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2002-2005)
• Corresponding Member of the Philosophical-Historical Class of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2010)

Telesko has led multiple research projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund, including major studies on the Vienna Hofburg and 19th century Austrian art. He has served as editor for significant publication series including the six-volume 'History of Fine Art in Austria' and has held visiting professorships at institutions including the Sorbonne in Paris. His work bridges academic research with public engagement through exhibition curation and contributions to major cultural projects.