Fronleichnamsprozession in Hofgastein 1880

Adolph Menzel created this oil painting, “Fronleichnamsprozession in Hofgastein,” using materials from everyday life rather than traditional fine art supplies. His distinctive handling of oil paint, its texture, weight, and color, give the painting a unique sense of immediacy. You can see the loose brushwork and sketch-like quality, especially in the details of the crowd and the surrounding architecture. These methods belong to other creative traditions and aesthetics, alongside those of fine art. The painting process, rather than focusing on capturing an idealized version of the scene, reveals the labor involved in creating such a large, complex composition. Ultimately, the work underscores how materials, making, and context work together. By emphasizing the working process, Menzel challenges conventional fine art notions and allows for a deeper, more nuanced understanding.