Gemaltes Haus: A Painted Masterpiece in Graz

The Gemaltes Haus, also known as the Herzogshof, stands as a jewel in Graz's architectural crown, captivating visitors with its stunning facade and rich history. Located on Herrengasse, the main thoroughfare of Graz, this painted house is more than just a building; it's a vibrant canvas that tells a story of art, mythology, and the city's evolution.The building's origins trace back to 1360 when it was first documented as the Herzogshof, serving as a crucial administrative center. Here, the Dukes of Styria conducted their official business and granted land to their subjects until the completion of Graz Castle in 1450. This historical significance adds another layer to the building's allure, connecting it to the very foundations of Graz's past.Around 1600, the house underwent its first transformation into a work of art when it was initially painted by Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, the court painter of Ferdinand II. De Pomis, who later designed Ferdinand's mausoleum, brought his artistic vision to the building's facade, setting the stage for its future fame. However, none of de Pomis's original work remains today. The Gemaltes Haus as we know it today is largely the creation of Johann Mayer, a painter from Vorau, who was commissioned in 1742 by Franz von Lathurner, the then-owner of the house. Mayer, a student of Johann Cyriak Hackhofer, embarked on an ambitious project to cover the entire facade with frescoes depicting gods and heroes from Greco-Roman mythology.These vibrant paintings, executed in the Baroque style, transformed the building into a breathtaking spectacle that continues to draw crowds. The frescoes cover an area of over 220 square meters, making the Gemaltes Haus unique in Austria. The paintings are organized in a hierarchical manner, with different tiers representing various realms of the mythological world. The lowest zone features gods closely associated with everyday life, including Bacchus (god of wine), Vulcan (god of crafts), and Vesta (goddess of the hearth). Above them are Apollo (god of light), Jupiter (father of the gods), and Pluto (god of the underworld). The uppermost row includes Mercury (god of commerce and travelers), Mars (god of war), Minerva (goddess of war and the arts), and Aesculapius (god of medicine), along with heroes from Greek and Roman mythology.