작품 상세

Oil on canvas Austria, 1920s Overall dimensions framed: 98 x 138 cm Provenance: from an Austrian private collection, according to consignor, the Viennese painter Franz Xaver Pieler (1876-1952) has given this work as a wedding gift to his grandparents, if the painting was created by Franz Xaver Pieler was not possible to establish by us An impressive oil painting of the New Objectivity with a biblical subject matter; the faces of the 12 apostles are executed with incredible virtuosity This impressive oil painting was created in the 1920s in Austria. It is a re-interpretation of the Last Supper in the style of the New Objectivity. The classical composition shows Jesus, in a white robe with a halo, at the centre, blessing bread and wine. His disciples are surrounding him at the table. To the left sit Peter, Andrew, James the Younger, Bartholomew and John, to the right sit Philip, Thaddeus, Matthew, Thomas, James the Elder and Simon. Their physiognomies mirror their agitation, disbelief and sadness when hearing Jesus's words: 'One of you will betray me'. Judas, whose devious gaze one cannot avoid, is facing the viewer, his posture excluding him from the group. This work shows New Sobriety, characterised by a recourse to traditional techniques, painting styles and subject matter, par excellence. The scene of the Last Supper has been repeatedly depicted by many artists in every century -best known is probably Leonardo Da Vinci's fresco. But the classical iconography of the biblical theme is only the backdrop to this painting. The work is defined by the powerful individual faces, evidencing the artist's painterly talent. The emotive facial expressions, which determine this composition, are rendered with an incredible virtuosity. A muted colour scheme emphasises the sombre atmosphere. The painting is in fair condition according to its age. The surface is sealed with a varnish. There are slight framing marks as well as visible craquelure and minimal colour abrasion in the background, which has been completely painted over. There is further overpainting around the edges and to the tablecloth as well as minor touch-ups to Jesus's forehead. The frame shows some wear with light colour and material loss. Framed, the work measures 98 x 138 cm. The stretcher frame measures 79 x 119 cm.