1399 - Eduard Grützner (1846 Großkarlowitz – 1925 Munich)

Eduard Grützner (1846 Großkarlowitz – 1925 Munich) Monk Studying a Book Executed in Grützner’s characteristic, delicately glazed painting style, this work depicts a monk in a monastery library, deeply engrossed in a large, old, illustrated book, his contented smile expressing his delight in the book’s contents. The painting impresses with its masterfully rendered physiognomy and sympathetic characterization of the contented, world-forgetful monk, as well as the loving, accurate depiction of the historical leather-bound volumes scattered around and standing nearby. Grützner remains one of the most popular genre painters of the Munich School to this day. A major theme of his work was anecdotal, humorous scenes from monastic life, in which monks are depicted not in ascetic detachment from the world, but in earthly cheerfulness. Oil on canvas; signed and dated on the reverse. 1912. Titled “Der Fund” on the reverse and bearing the stamp of a Munich art supply store. 50 cm x 40 cm. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated.