Who painted Obwaldner Landsgemeinde [fünftes Bild, rechts]?

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde [fünftes Bild, rechts] was painted by Wilhelm Balmer.

Where can I see Obwaldner Landsgemeinde [fünftes Bild, rechts]?

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde [fünftes Bild, rechts] is held by Kunsthaus Zürich.

Artwork

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde [fünftes Bild, rechts]

Obwaldner Landsgemeinde [fünftes Bild, rechts] is an unspecified painting by Wilhelm Balmer. It is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Wilhelm Balmer’s 1911 canvas, titled Obwaldner Landsgemeinde (fifth picture, right), is part of the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. The work portrays a bustling outdoor gathering set against a mountainous backdrop, rendered in a palette that balances cool blues and greens with warm earth tones.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a traditional community assembly, likely a Landsgemeinde, where participants in regional costume congregate around a central tree. Some figures hold musical instruments or baskets, suggesting a festive or ceremonial function, while others sit or lean, emphasizing the communal atmosphere of shared participation.

Technique & Style

Balmer employs a broad range of hues to delineate the landscape and figures, using cool tonalities for the distant mountains and richer, earthy pigments for the clothing. The brushwork conveys both the solidity of the natural setting and the lively movement of the crowd, creating a sense of immediacy without excessive detail.

History & Provenance

Created in the early twentieth century, the painting entered the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in documenting Swiss regional traditions and the work of artists active in that period.