Artwork
Steinhauer
Steinhauer is an oil painting by the Art Nouveau artist Augusto Giacometti. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. Created in 1913, this oil work by Swiss painter Augusto Giacometci is part of the permanent collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1913, this oil work by Swiss painter Augusto Giacometci is part of the permanent collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. The canvas presents a modestly sized group of figures set within an open landscape, rendered in a restrained palette of whites, blues, grays and purples. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet repose, inviting a measured contemplation of everyday activity.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts several individuals, dressed in light-colored garments, engaged in what appears to be communal labor or gathering within a natural setting. Their collective posture and the expansive backdrop suggest a harmonious relationship between human activity and the surrounding environment, emphasizing themes of cooperation and the serene rhythm of rural life.
Technique & Style
Giacometci employs a textured application of paint, allowing thick brushstrokes to remain visible and give the surface a tactile quality. The muted chromatic scheme avoids vivid contrasts, favoring subtle tonal shifts that enhance the painting’s calm mood. This approach aligns with early twentieth‑century Swiss modernism, where emphasis on materiality and restrained color was common.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in 1913, the work has remained in Switzerland, eventually entering the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich. Its acquisition by the museum reflects the institution’s commitment to representing national artists of the period, and it continues to be displayed as part of the museum’s narrative of early modern Swiss painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Augusto Giacometti was a Swiss painter from Stampa, Grisons, cousin of Giovanni Giacometti who was the father of Alberto, Diego and Bruno Giacometti.
