Sidonie Springer (1878-1937), "König Tod" (King Death)
oil on canvas, mounted on wood panel, signed and dated lower right, 1925, inscribed on the reverse, label with the inscription "Metznerbund," wall text for the Metznerbund exhibition at the State Gallery in Liberec, This symbolist-expressive depiction of a crowned skeleton, enthroned on a gnarled tree trunk and rock against a dusky sky, addresses existential themes. The reduced palette in earthy gray-brown tones and the dramatically stylized branches reinforce the gloomy atmosphere. The inscription along the lower edge of the picture—„Die Menschen töteten sich gegenseitig aus Gewinnsucht und Ehrgeiz – alles ist tot – sie machten mich zum König aller“ (People killed each other out of greed and ambition—everything is dead—they made me king of all)—makes the painting a powerful warning against war, greed, and the abuse of power. The formal language is reminiscent of the symbolism of Max Klinger or of the Vienna Secession around 1900, in the tradition of Alfred Kubin or Franz von Stuck, age-appropriate condition, retouching, image 69 x 71 cm (HxW), framed, frame partially rubbed, frame width 3 cm
This painting was part of the exhibition "The History of the Metznerbund Art Association 1920-1945" curated by Anna Habánová in 2016 in Liberec and is represented with a photo in the accompanying catalogue.
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