From Zurich, this realist and naturalist animal painter is known for meticulously depicting fauna and anatomical details. His experience at the King of Württemberg’s stud farm provided him with the opportunity to observe horses closely. In this painting, a herd of horses drink from a countryside fountain, while two courtesans stand under a tree in the background, creating a scene of profound perspective amid stormy weather. Although Koller was renowned for landscape and portrait painting, eye problems in 1870 hindered his ability. In 1898, he received an honorary doctorate.
This work was also presented at MBAL during the exhibition animal instinct/instinct animal (2023-2024).
Oil on canvas, on loan from the Gottfried Keller Foundation, inv. GKS 872
