Erwachen (Adler)

Künstler*in Karl Huck (1876 Wien – 1926 Wien)

Object typeGemälde
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
186 x 352 cm
SignatureSign. rechts unten: CARL | HUCK
Inventory number902
Locations Derzeit nicht ausgestellt
Giant birds—probably cinereous vultures that are falsely named eagles in the title—are perched in front of a mountain range, waiting for morning. This enigmatic work is by self-taught artist Karl Huck, who specialized in paintings of animals. The Hagenbund association of artists showed this painting in 1908 in a room honoring Emperor Franz Joseph to mark the sixty-year jubilee of his reign. Lions and birds of prey were among the Habsburgs’ main heraldic animals. Following the exhibition, the painting was acquired for the Modern Gallery at the Belvedere and Huck was recognized for the work at the Düsseldorf Art Exhibition. It was presented on many occasions until its popularity waned and it vanished into the stores. After extensive conservation treatments, it can now be seen for the first time since 1926.