Franz von Stuck (1863-1928)

Arm Studies

(Study for the 1913 painting "Crucifixion")

circa 1912

pencil on paper

34,6 x 32,2 cm

signed below center: "Franz von Stuck"

The Daulton Collection

condition: browned, spotted; remnants of mounting on the back.

Publication History:

Singer, Hans W. (ed.), Zeichnungen von Franz von Stuck ("Meister der Zeichnung" series, Vol. III), Leipzig 1912, Tafel 5, "Studie zur Kreuzigung." 

Discussion:

Franz von Stuck created his first "Crucifixion" painting in 1892. Around 1913, he painted another version of the subject. The present sheet is a study for the 1913 painting.  This sheet contains initial ideas for the thief who is depicted in the painting at the front right. Since the sheet was published by Singer in 1912, one can follow the time-consuming process of creating Stuck's second crucifixion scene, which was characterized by an artistic struggle to find the ideal composition.  See Voss, Heinrich, Franz von Stuck 1863-1928. Werkkatalog der Gemälde mit einer Einführung in seinen Symbolismus, Munich 1973, pg. 301, WVZ no. 425/293 (with illustration).