Who painted Obwaldner Landsgemeinde?

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde was painted by Albert Welti in 1911.

Where can I see Obwaldner Landsgemeinde?

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde is held by Kunsthaus Zürich.

What movement is Obwaldner Landsgemeinde?

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde is associated with Art Nouveau.

Artwork

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde

Albert Welti , 1911

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde is an unspecified painting by the Art Nouveau artist Albert Welti. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Albert Welti’s 1911 oil painting Obwaldner Landsgemeinde depicts a communal gathering set against a rugged Alpine backdrop. Executed during the height of the Art Nouveau period, the work is part of the permanent collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. It reflects Welti’s broader interest in scenes that blend everyday life with a slightly uncanny atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a large tree under which men, women, and children in traditional regional dress assemble. A seated woman cradles an infant in the foreground, while other figures stand or sit nearby, suggesting a local assembly or council. The arrangement conveys a sense of collective participation, emphasizing communal ties within a rural Swiss setting.

Technique & Style

Welti employs a fluid, sinuous line typical of Art Nouveau, combined with a palette that balances muted earth tones with brighter accents, creating visual momentum across the canvas. The central tree anchors the scene, its upward‑reaching branches guiding the eye toward the sky. Subtle contrasts of light and shadow hint at chiaroscuro, adding depth without overt dramatization.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, Obwaldner Landsgemeinde has remained in Switzerland, entering the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich where it is displayed among works of the early twentieth‑century Swiss avant‑garde. The painting’s acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing national artists who contributed to the Art Nouveau movement.