Yosl Bergner is one of Australia’s most important artists. Born in Austria and raised in Poland, he and his family immigrated to Australia in 1937 to escape anti-semitism. In Melbourne, Bergner attended the National Art School and befriended the Heide circle, who included Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker and John Perceval. It was alongside Noel Coulihan and Vic O’Connor however, that Bergner made his indeminable mark. Self-described as a social humanist, Bergner and his fellow social realists forged a bracingly political vision.

‘The Wedding’ is an engrossing work. In it, a crowd gathers to celebrate a matrimony. The bride, dressed modestly, is at peace as she listens to music, doves circling above her. Since Bergner was Jewish, we can understand these doves as religious. After the Flood, Noah released a dove which returned an olive leaf – this was a sign of life brought by God.

Bergner brought German Expressionism to Australia. His legacy persists in not only style, but the belief art can change the world. A lifelong member of the National Gallery of Victoria, a major retrospective of his work was held at Tel Aviv Museum in 2000. He is represented in numerous public collections in Australia and abroad, and is the recipient of the Israel Prize for painting and co-recipient of the Dizengoff Prize for painting. This work celebrates commitment, community and faith. It is from a simpler time and sings of sweet music.

For collectors of religious and narrative art, as well as admirers of Bergner enduring legacy, ‘The Wedding’ is a superb find.
 

Yosl BERGNER (1920 - 2017)
'The Wedding' ca. 1990s
screenprint on paper
Edition of 250
Image Size: 64 x 83 cm
Dimensions: 72 x 97 cm
Signed: Signed [in Hebrew] lower right; numbered lower left.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition:Very Good: Describes a work of art’s image As New, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to paint surface. Image is in Fine condition.

(c) The Artist or Assignee