On the Stairs of the Temple (1989) by Eric Fischl

On the Stairs of the Temple - Eric Fischl - 1989

Artwork Information

TitleOn the Stairs of the Temple
ArtistEric Fischl
Date1989
Art MovementContemporary Realism

About On the Stairs of the Temple

“On the Stairs of the Temple,” a 1989 artwork by Eric Fischl, exemplifies the Contemporary Realism movement within the genre painting genre. The piece intricately illustrates a scene rich in cultural and spiritual context, set upon the steps of what appears to be a temple.

The artwork captures a multitude of individuals, each engaging in varied activities as they navigate the temple’s stairway. Dominated by a figure draped in a pink garment, who appears to ascend the steps, the scene further includes a series of individuals interspersed across the stairway. The men in the foreground, one standing and one facing away from the viewer, both seem to be aiding a figure who is positioned on all fours, evoking an intimate moment of assistance or reverence. The temple itself, adorned with sculptures of animals, including a prominent depiction of a cow with a necklace and a large bell, adds an additional layer of spiritual and cultural ambiance. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the painting accentuates the architectural depth and the varied expressions and actions of each individual, enhancing the overall realism and narrative depth of the scene.

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