DER GENTLEMAN AM BIRNBAUM, PORTRAIT ERICH RUPRECHT

Based on a book by Paul Fischnaller, archival material, and contemporary conversations with Erich Ruprecht and eyewitnesses, we tell the story of his art and reflect on art and society.

An exhibition by Erich Ruprecht at Galerie Kliemstein in April 1960 sparked a debate about artistic freedom. Twelve paintings were confiscated, and the artist and his gallerist were charged with a “crime” under Section 1 of the so-called Pornography Law.

The winding journey and history of these paintings was documented by Paul Fischnaller in a book. Drawing on this book, archival material from the 1980s and 1990s, and present-day conversations with Erich Ruprecht and contemporary witnesses, we recount the story and discuss art and society.

For 35 years, Ruprecht lived believing that the paintings had been destroyed. It was not until the year 2000 that they were returned to him.