Carl Moll

(Vienna 1861–1945)
Frühling in Grinzing (Springtime in Grinzing, Vienna), c. 1903, signed C. MOLL, oil on canvas, 60 x 60 cm, framed
Listed and illustrated:
Cornelia Cabuk, Carl Moll. Monografie und Werkverzeichnis, Belvedere Werkverzeichnisse, vol. 11, Vienna 2020, cat. rais. no. GE 197

Provenance:
Collection of Dr. Kazimierz Iwanicki (1865–1952), Krakau
Private Collection, Austria (by descent from the above)
Sale: Dorotheum Vienna, 17 May 1988, lot 174, ill.
Private Collection, Vienna

Exhibition and Catalogue:
Tokyo, Wien um 1900. Klimt, Schiele und ihre Zeit, Sezon Museum of Modern Art, Karuizawa, October 7 – December 5, 1989, cat. no. 66, ill.

This captivating image of spring, painted by Carl Moll in a vineyard in Grinzing near Vienna, exemplifies the artistic ideas of the early Secession. Characteristic is the choice of a square format, which contrasts with the strongly diagonal orientation of the painterly composition, creating a unique harmony between stillness and dynamism. The relationship between nature and art is the central theme, with Moll here opting for the cultural landscape of a vineyard on the slopes of the Vienna Woods instead of the artistically designed gardens of the Hohen Warte villas. In addition to the almost pointillist application of colour strokes and a refreshingly bright palette of cream and green tones, the compositional structure is also inspired by the French Impressionism, for which Moll had organized his first exhibition in the Secession in 1903. The strict diagonal and thus spatial orientation contrasts with the flatness of the elevated horizon, while the delightful rhythmic arrangement of the bare vines and their shadows evokes images by Vincent van Gogh, Gustave Caillebotte, as well as the Austrian Impressionist Theodor von Hörmann.

The atmosphere of light-filled expanses, of awakening life, and cheerful lightness also has a distinctly French quality, reflecting the southern way of life in a refreshing and breathing manner.