Ludwig H. Jungnickel “Coastel landscape near Abbazia” 1930s

Born in 1881, the German-Austrian painter and lithographer Ludwig Heinrich Jungnickel is primarily known today for his expressive depictions of animals and landscapes. After attending the Munich School of Applied Arts in 1896, he went on a study trip to Rome and Naples, where he was taught painting by Prof. Marucchi. He moved to Vienna in 1899 and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts. His talent was recognized by members of the Wiener Werkstätte, where he designed several objects for this famous manufactory. He became acquainted with artists such as Gustav Klimt and Josef Hoffmann and exhibited his paintings in the Vienna Secession, although he did not become a member himself. Among his most important works are the friezes in the children’s room of the world-famous Palais Stoclet in Brussels.

During his career, he was awarded several gold medals at international exhibitions. He was a member of the Hagenbund and the Vienna Künstlerhaus. From the 1920s Jungnickel was a regular visitor to Opatija, which inspired him to paint his first coastal scenes. After being defamed as a “degenerate” artist by the Nazis in 1939, he emigrated to what was then Yugoslavia, making Opatija and Split his new home. He painted and lived there until 1952, when he returned to Austria, where he lived until his death.

According to Peter Weber, a living relative and administrator of Jungnickel’s estate, and Ilse Spielvogel-Bodo, author of his catalog raisonné, this painting is the most important work Jungnickel created during his time in Opatija. The stroke is masterful, the scene very emotional, and the lighting of the stormy waves is also exceptionally well done. The whole atmosphere of the painting, despite the rough sea, radiates calm, peace and beauty.