Artwork
Pietà
Pietà is an ink print by the Baroque artist Paul Troger. It dates from 1724 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work titled *Pietà* is an etching on laid paper executed around 1724 by Austrian artist Paul Troger. Primarily known for his large‑scale frescoes, Troger applied his Baroque sensibility to the print medium, producing a composition that conveys a dramatic narrative within a relatively modest scale.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a grieving woman cradling a lifeless male figure on her lap, surrounded by additional attendants. The woman's expression conveys profound sorrow, while the surrounding figures contribute to a sense of communal mourning, emphasizing the emotional intensity typical of the traditional Pietà motif.
Technique & Style
Created through the etching process, the work utilizes incised lines on a laid‑paper surface to model forms and suggest depth. Troger’s handling of line and shading reflects the dynamic movement and chiaroscuro characteristic of his late Baroque style, translating the fluidity of his frescoes into the linear language of print.
History & Provenance
The etching dates to the early 1720s, a period when Troger was consolidating his reputation in Austria. Although primarily celebrated for his ceiling paintings, this print demonstrates his engagement with graphic media. The piece has remained within European collections, illustrating the broader dissemination of his work beyond monumental commissions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Troger (30 October 1698 – 20 July 1762) was an Austrian painter, draughtsman, and printmaker of the late Baroque period.
