Maximilian Pirner

Maxmilián Pirner ( born February 13, 1854 in Schüttenhofen, † April 2, 1924 in Prague) was a Bohemian painter and printmaker.

Life and work

Maxmilián Pirner was an outstanding figure and portrait painter and illustrator. Pirner studied from 1872 to 1874 at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts and from 1875 to 1879 at the Vienna Academy, where he stayed until 1887 and survived despite some successes in seclusion, away from the action. He was a student of Josef Mathias von Trenkwald and was appointed in 1887 to teach at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where he was professor from 1896. Nevertheless, appeared the characteristics of a creative crisis, by which his general life frustration was expressed. For Pirner the connection of critical reflection with gesteigter sensitivity was significant. Wherever these components dynamically linked with each other, gained his work unconventionality. Pirners lifestyle also includes the theme with a why an artist who is no closer connection to contemporary event in European cities, and is likely dealing with literature and philosophy, may find appropriate for artistic means. Pirner enjoyed high reputation abroad. He was among other founding member of the Vienna Secession and was in Prague for a short time as a champion of Art Nouveau. He has created designs for stained glass windows, diplomas and medals among others.

His students included, among others, the sculptor Alois Rieber.