Austrian Folk Saying Grace Before Dinner

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This work by Austrian artist Ivo Saliger (1894-1987) is an expression of devotion, of a tradition central to Austrian life … Read more This work by Austrian artist Ivo Saliger (1894-1987) is an expression of devotion, of a tradition central to Austrian life a century ago. Then, Austria had a strong Catholic heritage, supported by more than six centuries of Hapsburg rule. The subjects of this reverential painting appear to be members of a family wearing traditional Austrian "tracht" or dress. Hands clasped in prayer, they are about to dine together, with the elder parents joined by their grown children and perhaps a spouse. Resolving any doubt in the viewer’s mind about the activity, a crucifix hangs above the gathering in the dining area’s corner adjacent to a painting of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus.
In the 1920s, Saliger studied at Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts, as well as at Grafische Lehr-und Versuchsanstalt, where in 1920, he became a professor. He was known for his academically painted nudes set in idyllic landscapes. But working in his native country during challenging times, the artist also wisely focused on religious genre subjects, as he did here. See less