Sella Group and St. Vigilius Church – Colfosco, Corvara, Val Badia

Technical Information:
Code: QM212
Author: Erich K. Plank
Technique: Oil on canvas
Period: First half of the 20th century
Height: 50 cm (65 cm with antique fir-wood frame) | 19.69 in (25.59 in with frame)
Width: 60 cm (75 cm with antique fir-wood frame) | 23.62 in (29.53 in with frame)

Description:
The painting depicts the Sella Group and the Church of San Vigilio in Colfosco, two iconic landmarks of the Dolomites in South Tyrol. Plank employs an oil technique with a strong material presence, characterized by thick, layered, and vibrant brushstrokes that give the work remarkable dynamism.

The chromatic palette—typical of Plank’s Alpine painting—unfolds in fresh, luminous tones: cool blues and rosy greys shape the vertical faces of the Sella, conveying its geological majesty; the iridescent greens of the meadows, dotted with yellow and pink flowers, enliven the foreground, while the open, clear sky is built with light glazes that soften the whole.

The artist interprets the mountain through quick, directional planes of color that suggest the fractures and stratifications typical of Dolomite rock. This pictorial treatment lends the massif a strong sense of volume and monumentality.

In dialogue with the vast natural setting, the Church of San Vigilio—with its unmistakable onion-shaped dome—appears small but perfectly defined. Its white walls, shaped with subtle ochre and pink nuances, reflect the mountain light, creating a harmonious and intimate focal point.

The sinuous path naturally leads the viewer’s gaze toward the building, guiding the eye through a gentle and intuitive perspective. The entire composition conveys a balanced interplay between natural grandeur and human presence.

Restoration Information:
The work has undergone a light cleaning of the painted surface. Available with its antique fir-wood frame.