Artwork
Der Krieg. Farbskizze
Der Krieg. Farbskizze is a tempera painting by the Symbolist artist Arnold Böcklin. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Arnold Böcklin’s 1898 tempera work titled Der Krieg. Farbskizze is part of the collection at the Kunsthaus Zürich. Executed in a rapid sketch-like manner, the piece captures a turbulent moment through its compact composition and vivid coloration.
Subject & Meaning
The foreground is dominated by a white horse, its head bowed and forelegs folded, suggesting tension or distress. A second, brown horse follows, bearing a rider cloaked in red, while a stormy sky looms above a faintly sketched city, evoking themes of conflict and upheaval.
Technique & Style
Böcklin employs tempera, a medium that yields a matte finish and sharp, luminous hues. The quick brushwork and layered pigments create a textured surface, enhancing the sense of motion and the dramatic contrast between light and shadow.
History & Provenance
Created at the close of the 19th century, the work entered the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on Swiss Symbolist painters and their contributions to modern art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Arnold Böcklin was a Swiss Symbolist painter. His five versions of the Isle of the Dead inspired works by several late Romantic composers.
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