728 Meadowman - Friedensreich Hundertwasser

A 1974 etching and aquatint by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, featuring a stylized portrait filled with organic circular motifs and geometric patterns.

Friedensreich Hundertwasser, born Friedrich Stowasser, was an Austrian artist known for his rejection of straight lines and his embrace of organic, spiral-based forms. His work often reflects a philosophy of harmony between humanity and the natural world. 728 Meadowman, created in 1974, is a characteristic example of his printmaking practice, which frequently utilised etching and aquatint techniques to achieve layered, translucent colour effects.

The composition features a central, mask-like face that dominates the frame. The figure is rendered with a distinct lack of traditional perspective, favouring a flat, decorative approach. Hundertwasser employs his signature circular motifs across the face, which resemble both cellular structures and abstracted trees. These shapes are integrated into the skin of the figure, suggesting a fusion of the individual with the environment. The eyes are wide and piercing, set against a deep blue wash that contrasts with the surrounding golden-yellow background.

The lower portion of the print displays a patterned garment, composed of a grid of small, coloured squares. This geometric element provides a counterpoint to the fluid, hand-drawn lines that define the facial features and the hair. The hair itself is depicted as a series of fine, radiating lines, adding a sense of energy to the static portrait. The overall effect is one of whimsical, yet serious, introspection. Hundertwasser often signed and dated his works with precision, and this piece includes his characteristic handwritten annotations at the base. The work demonstrates his ability to combine technical printmaking skill with a highly personal, symbolic visual language that avoids conventional representation in favour of a more intuitive, rhythmic aesthetic.