Artwork
Der Tisch

Der Tisch is an unspecified painting by the Art Nouveau artist Sigismund Righini. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1908, Der Tisch is a still‑life oil painting by Swiss artist Sigismund Righini. The work belongs to the Kunsthaus Zürich’s collection and exemplifies the decorative sensibility of the early twentieth‑century Art Nouveau movement.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a modest tabletop arrangement: a white‑covered table holds a blue‑rimmed bowl brimming with yellow pears, a solitary pear on a nearby plate, two wine glasses, and a bottle of yellow liquid. Set against a muted blue wall, the objects are organized to convey a quiet equilibrium, inviting contemplation of everyday abundance.
Technique & Style
Righini employs a restrained palette of blues and yellows, allowing the colors to interact with subtle warmth. The handling of light and shadow recalls chiaroscuro, giving volume to the fruit and glassware while maintaining the sinuous, organic lines typical of Art Nouveau decoration.
History & Provenance
Born in Stuttgart and later active in Zürich, Righini was a prominent figure in Swiss artistic circles, serving in leadership roles within local art societies. Der Tisch entered the Kunsthaus Zürich’s holdings as part of the museum’s early twentieth‑century acquisitions, reflecting the institution’s commitment to Swiss modernism.
Context
At the time of its creation, Swiss art was engaging with broader European currents, particularly the fluid forms and ornamental motifs of Art Nouveau. Righini’s still life aligns with this trend, integrating decorative surface treatment with a focus on the intimate, domestic scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Carlo Pietro Sigismund Righini (4 January 1870, Stuttgart - 24 October 1937, Zürich) was a Swiss painter and art association executive.










