Leo Tolstoi Auferstehung Verlag Manz (1919-1920)

Our current exhibit features a striking piece titled "Leo Tolstoi Auferstehung," artfully created by Karl Wiener between 1919 and 1920. This painting serves as a visual representation of the thematic essence of Leo Tolstoy's novel "Resurrection." It showcases a vibrant and stylized scene that melds abstract and figurative elements to capture the novel's intense emotional and moral struggles.In the painting, a bold, black angular figure dominates the foreground, evocative of both a rising form and a shadow, perhaps symbolizing rebirth or awakening—central themes in Tolstoy's work. The background, rendered in soft desert hues, features distant, small figures and what appears to be grave markers, further emphasizing the themes of mortality and spiritual revival. Above this, a luminous red burst, possibly representing the sunrise or an enlightening revelation, complements the scene.The choice of colors and the dramatic contrast between the foreground and the serene landscape in the background draw the viewer into a contemplation of life's profound questions, much like Tolstoy's writing. Karl Wiener’s artistic interpretation invites viewers to experience a visual journey through the themes of redemption, conscience, and the societal structures depicted in Tolstoy's literature.