V I K T O R W O L F G A N G
P I R K H O F F
Night-Blooming
Cacti
Czech, 1875–1962
O R I G I N
Prague, Czech Republic
M E D I U M
Colour Woodcut Print
S I Z E
13½ × 13 inches
S I G N A T U R E
Signed in pencil lower margin
C O N D I T I O N
Some foxing to paper noted
A magnificent large colour woodcut — two glowing coral blooms of nightflowering cacti burst from a terracotta pot against a dramatic dark ground, rendered with Pirkhoff's characteristic crisp line and vivid colour. Flowers and exotic plants were among his most celebrated subjects, and this is a particularly fine and striking example.
Pirkhoff was commissioned to portrait the Habsburg royal family and made a portrait of King Farouk I of Egypt. He fled Vienna after the Nazi Anschluss of 1938 as a Jewish man, returning to Prague — only to be banned as an artist by the Communists after the war, his printing equipment confiscated. He died in 1962 forgotten and poor. His prints are now recognised as scarce and increasingly collectible.
Trained in Prague and Paris. His colour woodcuts — known for their crisp lines and vivid botanical compositions — are listed by specialist dealers at $475–$750 USD. Signed in pencil by the artist. A compelling piece of Central European art history.
V I K T O R W O L F G A N G
P I R K H O F F
Night-Blooming
Cacti
Czech, 1875–1962
O R I G I N
Prague, Czech Republic
M E D I U M
Colour Woodcut Print
S I Z E
13½ × 13 inches
S I G N A T U R E
Signed in pencil lower margin
C O N D I T I O N
Some foxing to paper noted
A magnificent large colour woodcut — two glowing coral blooms of nightflowering cacti burst from a terracotta pot against a dramatic dark ground, rendered with Pirkhoff's characteristic crisp line and vivid colour. Flowers and exotic plants were among his most celebrated subjects, and this is a particularly fine and striking example.
Pirkhoff was commissioned to portrait the Habsburg royal family and made a portrait of King Farouk I of Egypt. He fled Vienna after the Nazi Anschluss of 1938 as a Jewish man, returning to Prague — only to be banned as an artist by the Communists after the war, his printing equipment confiscated. He died in 1962 forgotten and poor. His prints are now recognised as scarce and increasingly collectible.
Trained in Prague and Paris. His colour woodcuts — known for their crisp lines and vivid botanical compositions — are listed by specialist dealers at $475–$750 USD. Signed in pencil by the artist. A compelling piece of Central European art history.
