Artwork

The Capture of St. John of Nepomuk

The Capture of St. John of Nepomuk, by Franz Anton Maulbertsch, oil, 1765
The Capture of St. John of Nepomuk, by Franz Anton Maulbertsch, oil, 1765

The Capture of St. John of Nepomuk is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Franz Anton Maulbertsch. It dates from 1765 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The Capture of St.

About this work

Overview

The Capture of St. John of Nepomuk is a 1765 oil painting by Franz Anton Maulbertsch, an Austrian artist known for his work in the Rococo style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the capture of St. John of Nepomuk, a religious figure, shown with a halo being restrained by several individuals. The scene is dramatic, with a sense of tension conveyed through the figures' actions.

Technique & Style

Maulbertsch's use of chiaroscuro creates strong contrasts between light and dark, adding to the scene's drama. Visible brushstrokes give the painting a textured appearance, characteristic of his style, which was influenced by Venetian painters.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a testament to its enduring significance. Created in 1765, it exemplifies Maulbertsch's Rococo style, shaped by his studies at the Academy of Vienna and influences from artists like Piazzetta and Sebastiano Ricci.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Franz Anton Maulbertsch

Artist

Franz Anton Maulbertsch

Franz Anton Maulbertsch (7 June 1724 – 8 August 1796) was an Austrian painter and engraver, one of the most renowned exponents of Rococo painting in the German and Hungarian regions.