gotische grabkirche st michael seitenansicht Hans Makart (1840-1884)

The work presents a cross-section view of a monumental architectural structure, seemingly a church or mausoleum constructed in the Gothic style. The artist has chosen to reveal the interior construction alongside the exterior facade, offering a unique perspective on the buildings architecture and engineering.
Here we see an elaborate display of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate tracery characteristic of Gothic design. The exterior walls are rendered with a warm, ochre palette, while the exposed interior surfaces exhibit a cooler, greenish-yellow hue, creating a visual contrast that emphasizes the depth and complexity of the structure. Light filters through the high windows, illuminating the interior spaces and casting shadows that enhance the sense of volume.
The artist’s decision to cut away portions of the wall allows for an examination of the buildings internal framework: supporting columns, arches, and decorative elements are all visible. This transparency suggests a reverence for craftsmanship and a desire to showcase the ingenuity behind the construction. The inclusion of what appears to be funerary iconography – sculptural reliefs depicting figures in mourning – hints at the structure’s purpose as a memorial or place of remembrance.
The composition is dominated by verticality, emphasizing the buildings height and aspiration towards the heavens. The meticulous detail applied to the architectural elements conveys a sense of solemnity and grandeur. The overall effect is one of awe-inspiring complexity and profound historical significance, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, mortality, and artistic achievement. A small tower rises from the right side of the building, adding another vertical element that reinforces the structure’s imposing presence.