Austrian painting: Hans Makart

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Andy Renmei

Hans Makart was a extremely sucessful austrian artist in his time. He became a leading society figure. He used to paint in big canvas sizes and the themes are historical, mythological and sometimes allegoric. Klimt was inspired by Makart’s work.

Der Triumph der Ariadne

The dynamism of this composition, balanced with movement, organic lines and strong contrast of colours and lighting, are the factors that make this painting so attractive to our eyes. We are guided through the characters until the staff on the woman’s hand.

Opferszene

Das schlafende Schneewittchen

The colours of the characters’ garments get our attention first. Their positionings are meant to be perpendicular diagonals. The “White Snow” seems to be shining due to the contrast with the dark background. There is a misterious face almost hidden at the painting top right corner. A dwarf, maybe?

Dame mit Federhut in Rückenansicht

Not a common portrait, and the reason is obvious: we are used to see someone’s face on portraits. Look how the skin of her back is a strong focal point. It’s an arrow pointing to her head. At the same time, the texture of the dress is concentrated in an area similar to this arrow, but pointing downwards. The white frills os her arms “connect” the whole body.

Abundantia ­ The Gifts of the Sea

Karoline Gomperz

Once more, strong colour contrasts. Karoline’s palid skin tone and the black background, her red dress with the vase of flowers (complementary contrast). From her face, the eyes run to her right hand which points to the left hand holding the dress. From this point, it goes straight up to the line of her shoulder and then back to her face.