Orchard, 1918/19

Two high mountains in the background frame the small orchard, placed slightly diagonally in the foreground and featuring small, slender and almost leafless trees. The work most likely shows a landscape in Carinthia. The manner of paint application creates a sense of shimmering vibration which, despite the masterful reduction of painterly means and colors, emanates a sense of enormous power and energy. This early work on paper, executed in watercolor and oil, is testament to Herbert Boeckl’s (1894–1966) great skill as a draftsman. The dissolution of forms towards a liberating, rhythmical play of lines and planes is characteristic of his individual style on paper. He was inspired by works of (post)-Impressionism, by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) and Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944).

KJ, 2023