Zprávy památkové péče 2013, 73(6):507-518

The work of Johann Lucas Kracker for the Louka Premonstrates. Essay on the reception of the compositional motifs of Paul Troger

Petr Arijčuk

One of the painters from around the mid 18th century who was significantly influenced by the works of Paul Troger (1698-1762) is undoubtedly Johann Lucas Kracker (1717-1779), who graduated from the Vienna Art Academy in the 1730's. At this time he came to Moravia, settled in Znojmo in 1749, and remained there for nearly two decades. His works bear a wide range of compositional elements and motifs borrowed from Troger's work, particularly those from the 1750's and 1760's. He thus ranks among the numerous painters, simply unknown to us in many cases, who were active in Moravia and Bohemia throughout the entire second half of the 18th century spreading the knowledge of Troger's very inspiring work. Kracker himself accompanied this knowledge of composition with an ability to adapt and approach Troger's expression as a painter. A reception of motifs from Troger's work strongly accompanied him in a number of works he also created for the Premonstrates, who were among his most prominent and frequent employers. In addition to long-term working agreements for the Hungarian monasteries in Jasov and Leles, he created one of his chefs d'oeuvre for the Moravian Premonstratensian monastery in Nová Říše, where he worked as an artist on the demanding ceiling and wall murals of the church as well as painting several altarpieces and wall paintings, including portraits. Surprisingly, his work for the Premonstratensian convent in Louka near Znojmo remained unknown for a long time, even though it was in the immediate vicinity of his residence. The discovery of several new works by Kracker in churches that fell under the administration of the Louka monastery at the time once again demonstrates and highlights the importance of Troger as an example for this artist.

Keywords: Johann Lucas Kracker; Paul Troger; Premonstrates; Louka Monastery; Baroque painting of the 18th century

Published: December 1, 2013  Show citation