Carl Moll Still Life with asters ca. 1915

Moll studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1880/1881 under Christian Griepenkerl, who also taught notable artists such as Egon Schiele and Max Kurzweil. In 1897, Moll gained recognition as one of the co-founders of the Vienna Secession. A patron of the arts, he later supported the establishment of the State Modern Gallery, now known as the Belvedere Gallery, and played a key role in bringing exhibitions of international artists, including Vincent van Gogh, to Vienna.
Moll’s style was initially influenced by early Impressionism, with a particular emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow in his work. Like the French Impressionists, he focused on a limited range of subjects, including landscapes, still lifes, and intimate interior scenes. Still Life with Asters, painted in 1915 during the First World War, is one of many floral still lifes in Moll’s oeuvre. This vibrant, colourful composition reflects Moll’s deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the simplicity of domestic life. The loose brushwork in the background and the bright spring sunlight filtering through the window create a perfect setting for the bouquet’s vivid display of color.