A great work in its new place: more than 2000 visitors want to get to know Neo Rauch's painting "The Weighing Up"
Work by the internationally renowned artist on show for the first time in Chemnitz Town Hall
Neo Rauch's monumental painting "The Weighing Up" has seen a rush of visitors. The commissioned work, which the international star painter created especially for the Chemnitz Council Chamber, was on display in its new location for the first time today.
More than 2000 Chemnitz residents and numerous guests took the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the painting on Saturday afternoon.
"This unique work by Neo Rauch is a wonderful gift to the citizens of Chemnitz," says Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig. "One of the greatest painters of our time has created an extraordinary painting for Chemnitz Town Hall and thus for the people of Chemnitz. This is a treasure that makes us proud and is sure to be a magnet for visitors. We would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to ensure that this painting has found its place here and that it complements the Council Chamber so perfectly. These thanks go to Neo Rauch, the donors and supporters as well as the General Director of our art collections, Ingrid Mössinger."
The Rauch painting continues a tradition that began with the impressive Max Klinger mural "Work - Prosperity - Beauty" in the neighbouring City Council Chamber: The work of art was also privately financed more than 100 years ago. This painting was also the centre of interest for visitors today.
The monumental commissioned work by Neo Rauch was acquired for the Council Chamber of the New Town Hall thanks to the generous financial support of the Ostdeutsche Sparkassenstiftung together with the Sparkasse Chemnitz, other donors and institutions as well as many committed Chemnitz entrepreneurs.
"The decision in favour of the internationally acclaimed artist Neo Rauch, who comes from the region, ties in with the orientation of the city of Chemnitz and its approach to the arts. It is also a tradition in Chemnitz that art for museums and town halls is made possible by citizens. Together with Sparkasse Chemnitz, we were pleased to be involved in ensuring that the painting "Die Abwägung" finds its place in precisely this location in the town hall," says Friedrich-Wilhelm von Rauch, Managing Director of the Ostdeutsche Sparkassenstiftung.
"The Weighing" from 2012 shows the personification of Justitia, standing confidently, proudly and powerfully behind a pair of scales. The other figures approach her respectfully, seeking advice, but also with hope. While the figures on the right-hand side of Neo Rauch's "Die Abwägung" are still in a state of appeal, the female figure on the left-hand side is already very carefully placing a small bird on the scales. The silence surrounding all the figures is striking. Blue, yellow and green spots from unknown light sources flare up in the spaces in between. The indeterminate dark space is reminiscent in colour, if you know it, of the dark oak-panelled council chamber. "Die Abwägung" was created as a commissioned work in 2012. The oil painting measures 3.52 by 1.77 metres.
The painting "Labour - Prosperity - Beauty" in Chemnitz Town Hall is the only surviving mural by Max Klinger. It was commissioned by the Vogel family of entrepreneurs in 1911 for the city council chamber and completed in 1918. The 3.75 x 13.5 metre painting shows nine muses and a group of gods from Greek mythology in the foreground. Its overall impression is characterised by a surprising colourfulness. The airy atmosphere and the pointillist style of painting in the foreground give the picture an impressionistic character.