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Artwork dossier

Artwork dossier: Lunch

Order Lunch as a hand-painted oil edition

Albin Egger-Lienz, Lunch, Leopold Museum. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

Lunch artwork fact sheet

Artist
Albin Egger-Lienz originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/albin-egger-lienz/
Artist’s dates
1868 – 1926
Held at
Leopold Museum originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/leopold-museum-vienna/

In context

Lunch — Albin Egger-Lienz

When might this have been painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910
  7. 1920

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 58 at death.

Shaded: the lifetime of Albin Egger-Lienz (1868–1926) every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1893 Main working years: 1893–1925 Late works: from 1925

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/albin-egger-lienz-lunch-9DG3PK-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Bronze #d69f33

    Catalogued palette

    • #D69F33
    • #AC6E25
    • #764721
    • #322812

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Bronze
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Albin Egger-Lienz over the last twelve months — 8 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 70.7%2,900 visits
    2. 2 United States of America 9.8%400 visits
    3. 3 Austria 4.9%200 visits
    4. 4 Russia 4.9%200 visits
    5. 5 Japan 2.4%100 visits
    6. 6 Netherlands 2.4%100 visits
    7. 7 Singapore 2.4%100 visits
    8. 8 Slovakia 2.4%100 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Albin Egger-Lienz

    1. 1 Ila, die jüngere Tochter des Künstlers, 1920 7.0%300 visits
    2. 2 Female head with binding to the hair 4.7%200 visits
    3. 3 The Portrait Painter In The Country 4.7%200 visits
    4. 4 Male head with bitter expression 4.7%200 visits
    5. 5 Die Alten, 1914 4.7%200 visits
    6. 6 Hulda, 1903 4.7%200 visits
    7. 7 Savoy arden knabe 2.3%100 visits
    8. 8 Madonna 2.3%100 visits
    9. 9 Holy Night 2.3%100 visits
    10. 10 The Cross - 2.3%100 visits
    11. 11 Kalvarienberg At Bozen 2.3%100 visits
    12. 12 Sower and the Devil 2.3%100 visits
    13. 13 Knight with sword 2.3%100 visits
    14. 14 Female curls with laughing expression 2.3%100 visits
    15. 15 Two Overs 2.3%100 visits
    16. 16 Christnacht 2.3%100 visits
    17. 17 Teenage curly head, laughing 2.3%100 visits
    18. 18 The dead christ 2.3%100 visits
    19. 19 The Sandpergerin Rottin and his wife 2.3%100 visits
    20. — Lunch this painting 0.0%0 visits

    Together these works take 60.4% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 184 works by this artist, of which 36 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Albin Egger-Lienz

    Born in Stribach, Austria

    Albin Egger-Lienz: Life and Legacy

    Early Life and Training

    Born: January 29, 1868, in Dölsach-Stribach near Lienz, Tyrol, Austria.

    Parentage: He was the natural son of Maria Trojer, a peasant girl, and Georg Egger, a church painter. He later adopted his father’s surname combined with his birthplace.

    His initial artistic education came from his father, laying the foundation for his future career.

    He continued his studies at the Academy in Munich, where he was profoundly influenced by artists like Franz Defregger and Jean-François Millet.

    Artistic Development and Influences

    Egger-Lienz’s early works focused on scenes of peasant life and historical events, particularly the Tyrolean Rebellion of 1809.

    Key Influence: The artist Ferdinand Hodler significantly impacted Egger-Lienz's style, leading to a monumental expressiveness characterized by heroic figures in stage-like spaces.

    He joined the Vienna Secession in 1909, further solidifying his position within the Austrian art scene.

    His artistic language evolved towards strongly outlined, massive forms painted with an almost monochromatic palette of earth colors.

    Major Works and Achievements

    Notable Paintings: Some of his most renowned works include “Der Totentanz von anno neun” (1906-1908), “Almlandschaft im Ötztal” (1911), and “Den Namenlosen” (1916).

    He participated in the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900, receiving a bronze medal for his painting "Feldsegen."

    During World War I, he served as a war painter on the southern Austrian front.

    His later works often incorporated religious themes alongside scenes of peasant life, such as “Christ’s Resurrection.”

    Historical Significance and Legacy

    Unique Style: Egger-Lienz blended elements of Expressionism with traditional Austrian art, creating a distinctive style that set him apart from his contemporaries.

    His work often explored themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the connection between humanity and nature.

    He declined multiple professorships at prestigious academies, preferring to maintain artistic independence.

    Lasting Impact: His paintings continue to be celebrated for their emotional power and monumental scale, representing a significant contribution to Austrian art history.

    Final Years and Death

    Egger-Lienz spent his final years painting frescoes for the Memorial Chapel of the Fallen in War in Lienz.

    Death: He passed away on November 4, 1926, in St. Justina-Rentsch, Bozen/Bolzano, South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

    Museum

    Leopold Museum

    On show in Vienna, Austria

    The Legacy of the Leopold Museum

    The Leopold Museum is located in Vienna, Austria. It was established as the Leopold Museum Private Foundation in 1994, following decades of systematic collecting by Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold. The institution officially opened to the public on 22 September 2001. The collection represents a significant assembly of Austrian art from the first half of the 20th century, specifically covering the period between 1880 and 1960.

    The foundation of the museum rests upon the private acquisitions made by the Leopold couple over fifty years. Their focus centered on the transition from the Wiener Secession and Art Nouveau to the development of Expressionism. This concentrated effort ensured that the core of the museum's holdings reflects the specific aesthetic shifts occurring within Austrian modernism during this era.

    The museum's holdings include significant works that define the period, such as:

    Death and Life, 1908 - Gustav Klimt

    The Self-Seers II (Death and Man), 1911 - Egon Schiele

    Dolomite Landscape, 1913 - Oskar Kokoschka

    Architecture of the Modernist Cube

    Located within the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna, Austria, the building is a five-story white limestone cube. Designed by architects Laurids and Manfred Ortner, the structure follows a contemporary and modernist aesthetic. Its geometric form provides a distinct presence within the urban fabric of the city.

    The architectural design incorporates specific elements from the original stable building that once occupied the site. This integration of historical preservation and modern design is visible in the interior. Exposed brickwork and soaring ceilings are used to reference the grandeur of the imperial past. These features allow natural light to move through the spaces, creating an open environment for the collection.

    The World's Largest Egon Schiele Collection

    The Leopold Museum houses the most extensive collection of Egon Schiele's work in existence. This assembly includes over 500 paintings and drawings, providing a basis to trace the evolution of his distinctive style. Through these works, the museum documents the development of Expressionism and its impact on the modern era. The collection contains more than 220 works that allow for a close study of his technical progression.

    Schiele’s imagery often focuses on the human form, presenting figures that are frequently contorted and vulnerable. His approach to the body captures a specific psychological intensity. The breadth of the holdings allows for a direct examination of how his aesthetic shifted over time.

    The Self-Seers II (Death and Man), 1911

    Composition with Three Male Nudes, 1910

    Nude Self-Portrait, 1910

    Self-Portrait with Splayed Fingers, 1911

    Kneeling Girl, Resting on Both Elbows, 1917

    Masterpieces of the Austrian Modernist Collection

    The collection features significant works by Gustav Klimt, including Death and Life (1908). These pieces exemplify the Secessionist movement through their specific use of ornamentation and symbolic language. The museum holds works by several pivotal figures in Austrian art history, providing a view of the transition from the Vienna Secession to Expressionism.

    Beyond Klimt, the holdings include works by Oskar Kokoschka and Richard Gerstl. The museum also contains paintings by Anton Romako, such as Greillenstein Castle and Countess Kuefstein at the Easel. These artists represent the diverse stylistic shifts occurring within the first half of the 20th century.

    Death and Life, 1908 - Gustav Klimt

    Greillenstein Castle - Anton Romako

    Countess Kuefstein at the Easel - Anton Romako

    Addressing the Legacy of Nazi-Looted Art

    The history of the Leopold Museum is inextricably linked to the complex legacy of Nazi-looted art. The institution has faced numerous controversies regarding works seized during World War II. To address these historical wrongs, the museum has undertaken extensive legal battles and painstaking research to facilitate the repatriation of artworks to their rightful owners. This process requires a direct confrontation with uncomfortable truths regarding the provenance of certain pieces within the collection.

    The museum’s commitment to restitution reflects an evolving awareness of the ethical obligations surrounding cultural heritage. This dedication to historical responsibility has led to several significant settlements. In 2011, a settlement was reached with the heirs of Moriz Eisler. Later, in 2016, the museum reached an agreement concerning five works by Egon Schiele with the heirs of Karl Maylaender. These actions demonstrate a willingness to engage with the difficult realities of art history through legal and ethical frameworks.

    By addressing these past injustices, the museum transforms into a forum for dialogue and reflection. The work of rectifying historical wrongs is ongoing. It moves the institution beyond a simple display space, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between art, history, and morality.

    Exhibitions and Cultural Dialogue

    The museum's programming facilitates a continuous dialogue between scholarship, the public, and the art itself. The permanent exhibition, titled “Vienna 1900,” occupies three levels of the building. This display comprises approximately 1300 exhibits that examine the intellectual and cultural shifts of the turn of the century. By placing these works in their historical context, the institution provides a framework for understanding the transition from the Wiener Secession to Expressionism.

    Temporary exhibitions frequently address specific themes within Austrian modernism. Recent series, such as “MODERNISM NOW,” focus on foundational artists to demonstrate how their work continues to inform current artistic trends. These curated displays often bridge the gap between historical movements and contemporary practices. The museum maintains this relevance by actively engaging with modern artistic developments alongside its permanent holdings.

    Albin Egger-Lienz study guide: keep exploring

    • The artist Albin Egger-Lienz originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/albin-egger-lienz/
    • The museum Leopold Museum originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/leopold-museum-vienna/
    • Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/albin-egger-lienz-lunch-9DG3PK-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Lunch

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/albin-egger-lienz-lunch-9DG3PK-en/

    Citing this artwork: Lunch

    MLA
    Egger-Lienz, Albin. Lunch. n.d., Leopold Museum. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albin-egger-lienz-lunch-9DG3PK-en/
    APA
    Egger-Lienz, Albin (n.d.). Lunch [Painting]. Leopold Museum. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albin-egger-lienz-lunch-9DG3PK-en/
    Chicago
    Albin Egger-Lienz. Lunch. n.d. Leopold Museum. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albin-egger-lienz-lunch-9DG3PK-en/
    Harvard
    Egger-Lienz, Albin (n.d.) Lunch. Leopold Museum. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albin-egger-lienz-lunch-9DG3PK-en/

    For art students and researchers

    Lunch — Albin Egger-Lienz

    Close-looking art worksheet on Lunch, for students and researchers

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: meal. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Madonna, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    Can I see "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz on my own wall before buying?

    "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz can be previewed on your own wall with the artwork's AR Preview page, using augmented reality on a compatible device.

    What underlying hue runs through "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz?

    The dominant hue of "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz is golden yellow range. The hue is the underlying tone of the palette.

    What color intensity does "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz have?

    The colors in "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz have a vivid intensity.

    Is "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz a portrait, landscape or square composition?

    The format of "Lunch" is landscape. This is useful when planning where a reproduction will be placed.

    Where can I find statistics about "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz?

    Statistics about "Lunch" by Albin Egger-Lienz are on the artwork's Stats page: monthly visits of the artwork, visits of the artist's works, and country and language breakdowns of recent visitors.

    All the questions and answers about Lunch