Artwork
Der Fischzuber
Der Fischzuber is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Januarius Zick. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1760 by Johann Rasso Januarius Zick, a German painter and architect associated with the late Baroque, Der Fischzuber belongs to the Rococo period. The oil on canvas is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection. It presents a compact interior where a wooden tub brims with fish, drawing attention to a quiet, everyday moment.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a large wooden basin filled with fish, a motif that likely alludes to domestic chores or market activity in mid‑eighteenth‑century Germany. Two figures occupy the cramped space: one bends forward to reach into the tub, while the other stands nearby holding a long stick, suggesting a collaborative task or a moment of quiet observation.
Technique & Style
Zick employs chiaroscuro to model the figures and objects, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to generate depth within the confined setting. The clothing is rendered in loose, flowing folds, and the subdued palette enhances the intimate atmosphere. The handling of light reflects Rococo’s preference for subtle, atmospheric effects while retaining Baroque vigor.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the Bavarian state. It now resides in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek, where it is displayed among other works illustrating the transition from Baroque grandeur to Rococo’s more domestic sensibilities.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Rasso Januarius Zick (6 February 1730 – 14 November 1797) was a German painter and architect. He is considered to be one of the main masters of the Late-Baroque.
