Horses at Rest

Károly Lotz, a German-Hungarian painter, is renowned for his monumental murals and frescos, often executed in the grand style of the Venetian master Tiepolo. While he gained significant recognition for his large-scale public commissions, like the ceiling of the Budapest Opera and the Hungarian Parliament Building, he also explored romantic landscape themes early in his career. 'Horses at Rest' likely reflects this earlier period, showcasing Lotz's skill in capturing natural scenes, a contrast to the allegorical and historical subjects for which he became widely known. His artistic journey began with studies under figures like Jakab Marastoni and Carl Rahl, who influenced his shift towards more ambitious projects. This painting, now held by the Hungarian National Gallery, offers a glimpse into the artist's versatility beyond the decorative works that adorned many significant buildings in Budapest and Vienna.