Procession 1934

Cyprián Majerník painted "Procession" in oil paint, likely sometime in the late 1930s or early 1940s. It depicts a religious parade led by a priest, but the mood is far from celebratory. Majerník was a Slovakian painter whose work was often filled with a sense of anxiety and social critique. In this painting, the figures appear stiff and awkward, their faces devoid of joy. The drab colors and the overcast sky add to the overall feeling of unease. The procession looks like it is taking place in a rural setting, perhaps commenting on the relationship between the church and the countryside. The electricity pole in the upper left and the flute player dressed in a suit introduce modernity into this depiction of a traditional event. To fully understand this work, it's helpful to consider the social and political context of the time. Majerník's work reflected a growing disillusionment with traditional institutions and a sense of impending crisis, given that he died shortly after the Second World War. Art historical research into the changing role of the church in Slovakian society would shed more light on the meaning of this painting.