HORNUNG, JOSEPH
1792 Genf 1870
Joseph Hornung, born in Geneva in 1792, initially learned the craft of engraving watch cases. He then began an apprenticeship in drawing with Constant Vaucher (1768–1814). He increasingly devoted himself to painting as an autodidact. His religious aspirations, as well as his nostalgic attachment to the 17th century, led him to history painting and later also to genre painting.
From early on, his artistic talent was to bring him fame and recognition, with his works becoming sought-after for exhibitions at the Royal Academy in London (1839) as well as at the Paris Salon (between 1831 and 1847). The various friendships he cultivated with well-known figures in Geneva society, including the sculptor James Pradier (1790–1852), the painters François Diday (1802–1877) and Alexandre Calame (1810–1864), and the writer Marc Monnier (1827–1885), ultimately made Hornung a legendary figure in Geneva's cultural world.
As far as his genre paintings were concerned, his contemporaries saw the influence of Dutch painting on his style and compared it with that of Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606–1669) and Anthony van Dyck (1559–1641).
Works by this artist from our auctions
Following are some examples of works by this artist from our past and future auctions.We are always accepting consignments for our auctions. Share in our success – contact us today for a no-obligations auction estimate.
office@kollerauktionen.ch
JOSEPH HORNUNG
CHF 30 000 / 40 000 | (€ 30 930 / 41 240)
Sold for CHF 30 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.
Details My catalogue Query
HORNUNG, JOSEPH (1792 Geneva 1870) Christopher Columbus amongst the monks. 1848. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated lower left: J. Hornung 1848. 122 x 91 cm. Provenance: European private collection.
CHF 4 000 / 6 000 | (€ 4 120 / 6 190)
Sold for CHF 3 660 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.
Details My catalogue Query
JOSEPH HORNUNG
CHF 500 / 1 000 | (€ 520 / 1 030)
Sold for CHF 540 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.
Details My catalogue Query