Artwork
Hl. Dominikus als Fürbitter bei Maria
Hl. Dominikus als Fürbitter bei Maria is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Evangelist Holzer. It dates from 1731 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Saint Dominic interceding with the Virgin Mary, as indicated by its title, which translates to "Saint Dominic as Intercessor with Mary.
The painting depicts Saint Dominic interceding with the Virgin Mary, as indicated by its title, which translates to "Saint Dominic as Intercessor with Mary." This iconographic theme presents the founder of the Dominican Order in his traditional role as a mediator, appealing to the Virgin on behalf of humanity or his order. The work belongs to the genre of religious art, situating it within the devotional imagery produced for Catholic worship.
By portraying Dominic in direct supplication before Mary, the composition emphasizes Dominican spiritual identity and the order's special devotion to the Virgin, a central tenet of Dominican piety.
The format of the canvas, 268 cm in height and 162 cm in width, suggests a large altarpiece or devotional panel, a scale consistent with its function as a religious image intended for a sacred setting.
Technique & Style
Created in 1731, the work is classified as a painting executed by Johann Evangelist Holzer. As a religious artwork depicting Saint Dominic, it belongs to the genre of religious art. The piece is currently held within the Alte Pinakothek collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
Physically, the painting measures 268 cm in height and 162 cm in width, indicating a substantial vertical format typical for altarpieces or significant devotional images of the period.
History & Provenance
Johann Evangelist Holzer created the religious painting Hl. Dominikus als Fürbitter bei Maria in 1731. The work, which depicts Saint Dominic, measures 268 cm in height and 162 cm in width. It is currently held within the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections and is located at the Alte Pinakothek.
Overview
Created in 1731 by Johann Evangelist Holzer, this oil painting presents a devotional scene centered on Saint Dominic acting as an intercessor before the Virgin Mary. Executed in the light, ornamental manner typical of the Rococo period, the work now belongs to the collection of Munich’s Alte Pinakothek.
Context
The work reflects the 18th‑century Central European emphasis on Marian devotion and the veneration of saints as intercessors. By portraying Saint Dominic pleading before Mary, Holzer aligns with contemporary Counter‑Reformation iconography that sought to reinforce the intercessory role of holy figures within Catholic worship.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Evangelist Holzer (December 24, 1709 – July 21, 1740) was an Austrian-German painter.
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