Small Flower Piece, 1917

Inspired by the still lifes of the old masters, Anton Faistauer (1887–1930) addressed the impermanence of life in many flower depictions. In these works, a few bright blossoms shine out of the dark aura of a background that vaguely hints at a bourgeois living room. Voluminous and gloomy compositions of color dominate Faistauer’s images like a heavy scent. The rebellious painter made a name for himself on the art scene early on. The Austrian State Gallery (now Belvedere) purchased one of his flower pieces in 1913. The following year, he was awarded the first prize in the Reininghaus competition by a panel whose members included Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) and Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956). He presented his works together with renowned contemporaries in numerous art exhibitions and is considered a co-founder of the artists’ associations Neukunstgruppe and Der Wassermann. His still lifes were frequently acclaimed and much in demand.

RR, 2023