Artwork

Anonymous drawing of the statue of King Arthur in the Hofkirche, Innsbruck.

Anonymous drawing of the statue of King Arthur in the Hofkirche, Innsbruck. is a drawing by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1850 drawing, created by an unidentified hand, records the statue of King Arthur that stands in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche.

About this work

Overview

This 1850 drawing, created by an unidentified hand, records the statue of King Arthur that stands in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche. Rendered in graphite or ink, the image captures the figure before later alterations, offering a reference point for the monument’s original appearance.

Subject & Meaning

The depicted statue presents a medieval king in full armor, sword lowered in his right hand, and a crowned helmet. The pose conveys a solemn, heroic presence, aligning with the legendary status of Arthur as a chivalric ruler.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of tonal values, from light washes to deep shadows, to model the three‑dimensional form of the armor and facial features. Fine hatching delineates decorative elements on the breastplate and helmet, indicating a careful, observational approach.

History & Provenance

The drawing was produced in the mid‑nineteenth century, a period when interest in historic monuments prompted documentation efforts. Its anonymous origin suggests it may have been made for scholarly or archival purposes rather than commercial sale.

Context

Located in the Hofkirche, the statue forms part of a larger ensemble of commemorative figures linked to the Habsburg dynasty’s mythic lineage. The drawing reflects contemporary efforts to catalogue such works amid ongoing restoration projects.