Fight of the Titans (Kampf der Titanen)

1918, Estate of Koloman Moser [Editha Hauska, Karl Moser, Dietrich Moser] (Vienna, Austria). By November 1920 with Kunstverlag Wolfrum (Vienna, Austria). By October 1969, with Kunsthandlung Inge Asenbaum (Vienna, Austria). April 1971, sold by Kunsthandlung Inge Asenbaum (Vienna, Austria) to Barbara Mackey Kaerwer (Eden Prairie, MN); 2016, bequeathed to the Chazen Museum of Art

• Skrypzak, Joann. "Design Vienna 1890s to 1930s," Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 2003. pp. 33, 52-53, no. 3; pl. 1
• Chazen Museum of Art. "Artscene." September-December 2011.
• Royal Academy of Arts. "Vienna Secession: Art Nouveau to 1970." exh. cat. London: Royal Academy of Arts, 1971. p. 22, no. 214
• Asenbaum, Inge. "Jugendstil, 20er Jahre: Verkaufs-Ausstellung." Vienna: Kunstlerhaus-Galerie, 1969. cat. no. 145, Ill.
• Pichler, Gerd. "Koloman Moser: Die Gemälde Werkverzeichnis." Wien: W & K Edition, 2012. 153, Kat. Nr. 161, mit Abb.
• Kunstverlag Wolfrum, Vienna. "Kolo Moser-Nachlass-Ausstellung." [exh. cat.] Wien: Kunstverlag Wolfrum, 1920. 5, cat. no. 168
• Belvedere Research Center. "Werkverzeichnisse Online: Kolomon Moser." Accessed June 24, 2021. https://werkverzeichnisse.belvedere.at/objects/28999/kampf-der-titanen-i?.

• Vienna Sucession: Art Nouveau to 1970: Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1/9/1971–3/7/1971
• Jugendstil, 20er Jahre. Verkaufs-Ausstellung: Künstlerhaus, Vienna, 10/29/1969–11/20/1969
• Kolo Moser-Nachlass-Ausstellung: Kunstverlag Wolfrum, Vienna, 11/23/1920–12/15/1920

This oil painting captures a dynamic scene depicting a large group of muscular nude figures engaged in combat upon a broad, arched rock formation. Filling the wide, horizontal canvas, the symmetrical composition features mirroring groups of figures on either side of the arch, their bodies locked in a variety of actions as they face their opponents. Centrally located atop the arch, two figures clash in hand-to-hand combat, wielding long wooden sticks. Flanking this central struggle, rows of figures on each side raise rocks overhead, poised to hurl them at the opposing group. Below the arch, other figures brandish wooden clubs over their shoulders. At the base of each side, fallen figures lie with limbs splayed across the ground. The vibrant interplay of cool and warm colors illuminates the figures’ forms. Warm yellows and oranges define their bodies, with vivid blue and bold dark outlines emphasizing their musculature. Cool gray and blue tones shape the shadows and the jagged rock, contrasting with the hazy background of pale pink, yello, and white.

• Europe
• Paintings
• Barbara Mackey Kaerwer Collection
• Alt Text Accessible

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