(St. Martin/Lofer 1887–1930 Vienna)
Bouquet in bellied jug, signed, dated A Faistauer 1919, oil on canvas, 66.5 x 51.5 cm, framed

Provenance:
Private Collection, Vienna
Dorotheum Vienna, 27 May 1974, lot 311
Private Collection, Austria
Galerie Hassfurther, Vienna, 20 June 2011, lot 14
Private Collection, Salzburg

... Faistauer’s endeavour to extend the limits of his versatility from painting to painting is equally evident in his floral still lifes. This subject was one of his special strenghts and greatly stimulated his creativity, even if he often regarded it as a mere exercise. This special affinity probably lies in the fact that the subject depicted in a floral still life naturally tends towards an abstract chromatic composition, whilst also preserving clear boundaries and a well-defined unity. Unlike many other painters, who focus entirely on the chromatic effect in the depiction of flowers, Faistauer emphasises the spatial, three-dimensional elements. Every flower appears rounded, the whole bouquet is placed within the pictorial space in the guise of an all-round massive monument. Floral still lifes gave Faistauer the chance to express the charm of his extravagant palette to the fullest – not without sometimes adding a robustly rustic touch in order to avoid appearing pretentious or affected. There is always an exciting balance even between an ebullient painting style and composed, concentrated forms...
Nikolaus Schaffer from: Anton Faistauer 1887-1930, catalogue of the special exhibition at the Carolino Augusteum Museum, Salzburg, 2005