Lot 63: Wilhelm Bernatzik (1853-1906), Oil Painting, Thundercloud, 1901

The present painting by Wilhelm Bernatzik (1853-1906) shows an atmospheric landscape. The composition is defined by a massive storm cloud that stretches across the blue sky. From the right the cumulonimbus is illuminated by the sun and shines in bright shades of gold but toward to the center of the image, its color turns to a deep purple. The landscape, which extends across bottom, is already swathed in dark shadows. Bernatzik, an advocate of the plein air painting, has managed to convey an atmosphere of calm before the storm in a striking color scheme. The artist has always had a keen interest in light and color effects, which he continually explored within in his works. Thus, the Austrian painter created profound, poetic works that draw the viewer into their spell.

The work is visually in very good condition. There is some scattered retouching to the surface, which is only visible under UV light. The work is signed ‘Willi Bernatzik‘ and dated ‘01’ lower left. The frame shows some wear. The framed work measures 40 x 29 cm, the wood panel measures 27 x 18 cm.

Wilhelm Bernatzik (1853-1906)
Wilhelm Bernatzik initially studied law before he attended the school of landscape painting at the Vienna Academy under Eduard Peithner von Lichtenfels. He later studied at the Düsseldorf Academy and finished his education with the French painter Leon Bonnat in Paris, where he became acquainted with impressionism. In 1880 Bernatzik became a member of the Vienna Künstlerhaus and was one of the founding members of the Vienna Secession. He was primarily a landscape painter, who found his themes in Vienna and Lower Austria. During his lifetime, Wilhelm Bernatzik was a renowned artist whose evocative works were highly sought after by collectors.

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