Franz Gaul, Austrian, 1837 to 1906, mixed media, pencil and watercolor, painting on paper, Salon Science. Circa: 1860s to 1890s. Signed with initials lower right. Inscribed in pencil lower to the center. Additionally inscribed and stamped with initials on the backside. Franz Xaver Gaul was an Austrian artist. He studied at the Vienna Academy of Art. First painting battle scenes, he later found his interest in theatre costumes and decor. He was also known for political caricatures and humorous pictures of theatre actors and actresses. He became costume designer of the two Viennese Court Theatres and director of decor and costumes and senior technical inspector at the Viennese Court Opera. Franz Gaul created a large collection of costumes, especially military costumes, using historical basis for design. He experienced the flourishing of the Viennese Court Theatre during the late 19th century and added to it, being sensitive to the spirit of the time: the end of romanticism and increasing realism. One of a kind artwork.