Stylit II, 1968

Dimensions: 200.0 x 130.0 cm

Physical Description: Oil on synthetic on foam

Acquisition: Acquired in 2012 with funds from the Städelkomitee 21. Jahrhundert and with support from Michael Hilti, property of Städelscher Museums-Verein e.V.

Status: On display, lower level, Contemporary Art, room 21

Texts

About the Work

In the 1968 work ‘Stylite II’, the image becomes a three-dimensional object. Painting expands forcefully into the space around it, almost threatening to burst. This major early work by Graubner is one of a group of three shown at documenta 4 in Kassel that year. With its perfectly white surface, it is, for all its tactile quality, a classic expression of ‘Noli me tangere’, touch me not. ‘Stylite II’ is both an autonomous painting and a spatial object belonging to our world. It is at once purist and physical and, through its upright form, provides the viewer with a vis-à-vis.

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: Stylit II (Original Title)

Title Translation: Stylite II

Painter

Gotthard Graubner

Period Produced

20th century

School

Object Type

painting (artwork)

Physical Description: Oil on synthetic on foam

Material

Technique

Property and Acquisition

Institution

Städel Museum

Administration

Contemporary Art 1945-present

Collection

Städelsches Kunstinstitut

Creditline: Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main, Eigentum des Städelschen Museums-Vereins e.V.

Picture Copyright: © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2023

Acquisition: Acquired in 2012 with funds from the Städelkomitee 21. Jahrhundert and with support from Michael Hilti, property of Städelscher Museums-Verein e.V.