I did a post at one time about paintings of crimson Cardinals enjoying life, being humans, and generally going wild (HERE), so I thought I'd continue the fun with a post about monks doing the same, but this time painted by a single artist, the German, Eduard von Grützner (technically Polish now, as he was born in Gross Carlowitz, a chunk of what was formerly Prussia). The guy had style. He had a huge range of subjects in his art, but he also did a large number of depictions of monks at various stages of play. I dig that.
With my typical caveat about negative opinions on religious subjects and figures, von Grützner goes well beyond people's potential prejudices in this area. His monks are eminently human, showing all the joy and foibles which are the hallmark of the human being. His colours are warm and muted, his lines are organic and lively, and there's a spry liveliness to all his figures that just make one feel good. One thing we know from his work; monks are fun. And fat. And potentially alcoholic! Even being the 200% tetotaller that I am, I still find these chaps HIGHLY amusing.
I hope you will enjoy his stuff as much as I do; he's worth your art-looking time.
With my typical caveat about negative opinions on religious subjects and figures, von Grützner goes well beyond people's potential prejudices in this area. His monks are eminently human, showing all the joy and foibles which are the hallmark of the human being. His colours are warm and muted, his lines are organic and lively, and there's a spry liveliness to all his figures that just make one feel good. One thing we know from his work; monks are fun. And fat. And potentially alcoholic! Even being the 200% tetotaller that I am, I still find these chaps HIGHLY amusing.
I hope you will enjoy his stuff as much as I do; he's worth your art-looking time.
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