Autumn Twilight

This unique work, representing Schikaneder’s timeless, very modern and distinctive painting style, combines all the artistic, creative, technical and intellectual aspects of his mature expression. This exceptional work, belonging to the period just after 1910, was long unknown to the art-loving public. Significant for the author is a wide spiritual reach and an interest in introspection into the soul of the depicted young woman. This motif, unlike the Prague nocturnes with passing lonely women in tense life situations, does not carry a purely social appeal. The female figure in a composition full of symbolist elements represents rather an archetype or allegory of life’s seclusion and strong emotions, which seem to be projected into the atmosphere, the smell of falling leaves, and the shades of red. The artist’s unique refinement features are also present here, such as warm sfumato imbued with a dull glow, pastel colours, contrasts of soft painting with thick layers, the unmistakable softness of shapes and the fateful charm of a particular work. All of the above confirms Schikaneder as a solitaire of world importance.

This work of unquestionable value is presented in a high-quality frame. It has been exhibited, published and reproduced several times (SVU Mánes Exhibition, Prague Castle Riding School, 6 October 2017 – 7 January 2018, Prague 2017, p. 761; O. M. Urban: Mysterious distances, Symbolism in Bohemian Lands, 1880–1914, Řevnice 2014, p. 63, fig. 77). Restored and stretched on a new stretcher in 2013. The work comes from a high-quality and unique post-revolution collection. Assessed during consultations by prof. R. Prahl, CSc., and prof. T. Vlčkek, CSc. The expertise of PhDr. Š. Leubnerová is attached.