Hrdlicka, Alfred Schachspiel. 1982. Kohlezeichung auf Fabriano Roma Bütten (mit Wz.), tls. Weißgehöht mit Pastell. 49 x 67 cm. Signiert und datiert in Feder. Verso in Bleistift bezeichnet "Schach. Ste…

Austrian Post War Hrdlicka, Alfred Schachspiel. 1982. Charcoal drawing on Fabriano Roma laid paper (with watermark), partly heightened in white with pastel. 49 x 67 cm. Signed and dated in pen. Inscribed verso in pencil "Schach. Steinitz against Andersen". Framed in passepartout and framed under glass. - The drawing fixed, only a few small pinholes (presumably from previous mounting) and traces of previous mounting verso. Overall very good. Expressive composition captured in bold strokes. Work from the chess cycle. - Alfred Hrdlicka, who was himself an enthusiastic chess player and was intensively involved with the game, produced a cycle of drawings and sculptures on the royal game, which take up the theme as a metaphor for human power struggles, strategic decisions and conflicts. Often, as in the present work, he depicts historical and contemporary political events and figures, which underlines the complexity of his works. In his charcoal drawings in particular, he uses the strong contrasts between light and shadow to emphasize the drama and intensity of the scenes depicted. The rough and energetic strokes lend the drawings a raw, immediate quality that makes the tension and conflict in the chess game visually tangible. Charcoal drawing on Fabriano Roma laid paper (with watermark), partly heightened in white with pastel. Signed and dated in pen. Inscribed in pencil on verso "Schach. Steinitz against Andersen". Mounted free standing on mat and framed under glass. - The drawing affixed, only a few small pinholes (presumably from previous mounting) and traces of previous mounting verso. Very good overall. Expressive composition captured in bold strokes.