Gottfried Helnwein (born 1948), “Untitled (Blue Madonna)”, 1998 Oil and acrylic on canvas USA, 1998 Gottfried Helnwein (born 1948) – one of the most famous contemporary Austrian artists Inscribed on the back of the canvas: “‘OHNE TITEL‘ 1998 after DA VINCI FELSGROTTENMADONNA (AUSSCHNITT) UM 1486-1490 NATIONAL GALLERY LONDON)”. Overall measurements, framed: 169 x 131 cm Very good condition Gottfried Helnwein is currently one of the most exciting contemporary Austrian artist. He is presently honoured with a retrospective at the Albertina in Vienna and a new auction record for one of his works has only recently been achieved: his paintings fetch up to 110.000 Euros at auction! This work “Untitled (Blue Madonna)” was painted in 1998 by the Austrian artist Gottfried Helnwein. It shows a section of the face of the famous “Virgin of the Rocks” by Leonardo da Vinci, which was painted between 1493 and 1495 and is today in the National Gallery, London. Helnwein, who often deals with the protagonists of different eras, chose one of the most famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, focusing exclusively on the face, which is a common theme in his works. The Madonna’s lowered head is painted in ultramarine shades of blue, which differ only slightly in intensity. The painting has a calming effect with its deep blue and the contemplative gaze of the childishly depicted Madonna. The work has an immense appeal, with Leonardo’s famous motif as a starting point. Those who know Helnwein’s oeuvre a bit better might be astonished at the soft motif – Helnwein usually chooses difficult themes and is not shy of showing them drastically. Or, he honours the world of Walt Disney, which he by the way considers just as important as Leonardo da Vinci: „ Walt Disney has developed totally new mediums: the comic strip as we know it today, the animated cartoon, a new language – overall, a new form of art that has influenced our century just as Leonardo da Vinci or Rembrandt influenced theirs.” The painting is in very good condition. The overall measurements including the frame are 169 x 131 cm; the work measures 150 x 112.6 cm without the frame. The painting is inscribed on verso on the canvas, attached to the stretcher, “‘OHNE TITEL‘ 1998 after DA VINCI FELSGROTTENMADONNA (AUSSCHNITT) UM 1486-1490 NATIONAL GALLERY LONDON)”. It is set in a wide silver leaf frame of high quality. Gottfried Helnwein (b. 1948) Gottfried Helnwein was born 1948 in Vienna and is considered one of the best-known Austrian contemporary artists. He studied painting in Rudolf Hausner’s (1914-1995) master class at the Academy of the Fine Arts in Vienna between 1969 and 1973. Helnwein often works with diverse materials and has consequently created an extensive body of work already, including paintings, photography, performance and installations. In 1997 he moved to Ireland with his family and became an Irish citizen in 2004. He purchased a second studio in Los Angeles in 2002. Gottfried Helnwein is internationally successful and his works are exhibited worldwide. He has had numerous solo exhibitions, for example in Paris, San Francisco, Beijing or Saint Petersburg. Currently a large retrospective of his works is shown in the Albertina in Vienna. Gottfried Helnwein lives and works in Ireland and Los Angeles. Starting Bid :24000