Gert Eggenberger, a legendary press photographer who documented five decades of major events across the Austrian state of Carinthia, has officially retired after capturing some of the most iconic images in the region's recent history. Known simply as "Eggi" to his colleagues, Eggenberger's photographs have become an integral part of Austria's visual historical record, with many of his shots achieving legendary status in the country's media landscape.
Over his remarkable 50-year career, Eggenberger witnessed and documented the complete evolution of photography, beginning his journey in the era of black-and-white film development and adapting through every technological advancement up to the current digital photography age. His commitment to quality and his keen eye for capturing pivotal moments made him one of Austria's most respected photojournalists, with his work appearing across multiple media outlets throughout his career.
One of Eggenberger's most famous and politically significant photographs was taken in June 2000, an image that would become a defining symbol of Austria's controversial black-blue coalition government. The photograph captured Jörg Haider, who notably was not actually serving in the federal government at the time, behind the wheel of his Porsche convertible, with Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel seated as a passenger. The two politicians were traveling to a traditional "Kufenstechen" event in the Gail Valley when Eggenberger snapped the shot that would become emblematic of their political relationship.
Years later, Chancellor Schüssel attempted to downplay the significance of the photograph's symbolism in an interview, stating, "Normally, the chauffeur is not the one who has the power to shape things." However, the image had already cemented itself in Austrian political memory as a powerful visual metaphor for the dynamics within the coalition government.
Throughout his career, Eggenberger maintained his independence as a freelance photographer, deliberately choosing to work with various media organizations rather than becoming exclusively employed by any single outlet. This approach allowed him to remain his own boss and avoid becoming dependent on any particular publication or broadcaster, a principle he valued highly throughout his professional life.
Now that he has stepped away from his camera, Eggenberger plans to dedicate more time to his other great passion: his extensive record collection, which has grown to an impressive 50,000 pieces over the years. This massive collection represents decades of careful curation and reflects his deep appreciation for music across multiple genres and eras.
Particularly notable within his collection is what is believed to be the largest collection of Udo Jürgens records in all of Austria. This comprehensive archive contains every single song recorded by the beloved Austrian singer and composer, with no gaps in the chronological record of Jürgens' musical output. The collection represents not just a personal passion but also a significant cultural archive of one of Austria's most important musical figures.
Beginning in 2027, this remarkable Udo Jürgens collection will find a permanent home at the Udo Jürgens Museum, which will be housed within the Carinthia Museum. Visitors will not only be able to view the extensive collection but also listen to the complete musical legacy of Udo Jürgens, making Eggenberger's personal passion a public cultural resource for future generations to enjoy and study.
