This early 20th-century oil painting by Austrian artist Richard Faulhammer (1883-1951) depicts a middle-aged gardener at work.
Dressed in a brown waistcoat, trousers and white shirt, he plunges the spade into the earth. Looking towards us with the focused expression of a busy man. Roses extend along the wall behind him.
Faulhammer was an enigmatic artist who produced a wide variety of work covering entirely diverse subjects. From the horrors of war to the delicate nuances of fresh Spring flora. And here, again, there’s an unusual atmosphere. He’s gardening, yet the garden itself is rather bare - and there’s a wall blocking our view. A few tools lean awkwardly while a splash of colour arrives via a scattering of blooms.
What is Faulhammer trying to tell us about this hardworking gentleman? Is it his own gardener? Was it inspired by Van Gogh’s portrait of the same name? Is there a quiet joy tucked away in this modest corner?
Whatever the story, it’s a gem.
Signed lower left and held within its original frame.
Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 16” x 28½” / 41cm x 72cm
Year of creation: 1921
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Versatile Austrian artist Richard Faulhammer hailed from Vienna, Austria, and trained at the Academy of Fine Arts under Alois Delug. His oeuvre contains a wide array of landscapes, still lifes, genre scenes and illustrations. In 1933, he gained his teaching qualifications and taught at the Bundesrealschule in his hometown.
Learn more about Richard Faulhammer in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
