Oil on Board
After the war, Austria was trying to get back to normal and was encouraging growth through tourism. Ivan was hired by the city council to produce postcards and paintings of the city that promoted its beauty and historical value. His postcards became instantly popular with the American troops and the locals.
This painting of Salzburg by the River took four months to complete, and it became the most famous postcard of that era. Ivan's works were displayed at a famous post war exhibition, but he kept this piece in his possession to remind him of the city that was his home after the War.
Viewed from across the river the castle stands out on the hill while throngs of people walk along the promenade. The clear blue sky reflects on the water as the evening sun casts long shadows from the far left of the picture.
This piece follows the lines of Monet and the work he did of London Bridge which hangs in a gallery in Washington, DC. Like Monet the work is about light and an impression of the moment.
The white walls of St. Matthew's church stand proud of the buildings and crested with a papal flag. We see the crowd of people strolling over the bridge and along the river bank.
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