"Die Prozession" ~ Version II ~ 1928

Large and striking Expressionist painting by early 20th century Austrian artist, Hugo Hodiener (1886-1945).

This work was painted with gouache on paper, the preferred medium of the artist, and is signed, titled, and dated, lower right, by the artist in pencil. The title translates to the English "The Procession" and the rest will be " 2nd Version - (19)28".

SIZE: Painting: 23" x 28.5" (58.5 cm x 72 cm) / Frame: 31" x 38" (79 cm x 96.5 cm)

This painting depicts the people of an Austrian village during a religious occasion, with attention centered on a priest or important Christian leader whose face is hidden from us. The work portrays many different personalities and types of people in a very stylized and strong expressionist manner.

Expressionism refers to a number of related creative movements in Europe before the First World War, that reached a peak in Berlin, during the 1920s. In Germany, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and August Macke, and in Austria, Egon Schiele, all painted in an expressionist manner similar to the style of Hugo Hodeiner in this work ... no doubt he was influenced by these well-known artists.

Processions, like that shown in this work, are organized within the framework of certain religious celebrations in Austria. Usually almost the entire population of the village takes part. The processions are colorful spectacles with flags, traditional costumes, wooden statues of Saints, participation of the village music band and choirs. The procession leads through the village and stops at several stations, where the people pray and sing. 

This painting is in good, original condition, with light wear to the surface in several places, as shown in the photographs. The painting is clean and needs very little, if any restoration. The painting is still housed in its original frame which has been mounted behind a larger and wider contemporary frame.

(If shipped to Europe, the buyer will have the option to save shipping costs by having the painting shipped in the smaller, thinner, and lighter original frame.)

The price of this piece includes insured shipping by UPS Ground within the United States. We are happy to hear from you by e-mail if you have any questions or need more information and international shipping quotes are available. We always reply quickly!