Artwork
Landschaft mit der Kreuzkirche in Zürich
Landschaft mit der Kreuzkirche in Zürich is an oil painting by Johann Wilhelm von Tscharner. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Johann Wilhelm von Tscharner’s 1916 oil on canvas presents a tranquil Swiss landscape centered on a church with a prominent tower capped by a dome. The composition balances a foreground of verdant trees and shrubs with distant structures, including red‑tiled roofs, under a light‑blue sky dotted with soft clouds. The overall atmosphere conveys calm and quietude.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a specific view of Zürich, focusing on the Kreuzkirche and its surrounding urban and natural elements. By juxtaposing the church’s architectural prominence with the surrounding foliage, Tscharner emphasizes the harmony between built heritage and the landscape, suggesting a contemplative relationship between community and environment.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the work employs a restrained palette of greens, muted earth tones, and occasional reds for roof accents. Tscharner’s handling of light creates subtle tonal variations, while the brushwork remains smooth, avoiding heavy impasto. The composition relies on clear delineation rather than dramatic chiaroscuro, reinforcing the scene’s serene quality.
History & Provenance
Created during the final year of World War I, the painting entered the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing early twentieth‑century Swiss art and preserving works that document regional architecture and landscape.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Wilhelm von Tscharner (1886–1946) was an artist, born in Lviv.
