Joseph Fay

Joseph Fay ( born August 10, 1813 in Cologne, † July 27, 1875 in Dusseldorf ) was a German painter.

Fay studied at the Dusseldorf Art Academy and then went to Paris where specifically to study the history painting. In 1840 he was successful in his debut with his painting Samson and Delilah for an exhibition. His artistic breakthrough he achieved with his frescoes for a room in the town hall of Elberfeld, with which he depicted the ancient history of the Germans to Hermannsschlacht.

Two weeks before his 62nd birthday Joseph Fay died on 27 July 1875 in Dusseldorf.

Reception

Composition and painting are evidence of just how great view of technical proficiency. After prevailed rather historical and romantic themes in his early works, it is in his later work rather genre painting. Fay treated scenes from the hustle and bustle of the Italian people, which he had studied in depth with repeated stay in Italy. A special attraction will get its images also by the surrounding landscape, which is a main component thereof. Happy wit, brilliant color and skilful brushwork characterize the same.

Works

• A listening Thisbe
• Romeo and Juliet
• Gretchen in prison

Illustrations (selection)

• In: Fairy tales and legends for young and old. - Dusseldorf: Arnz: Voss, 1857. Volume 1 Digitized edition of the University and State Library Dusseldorf
• Volume 2 Digitized edition of the University and State Library Dusseldorf