Jos Pirkner passes away: East Tyrol mourns its beloved sculptor

The news has hit hard: East Tyrol has lost one of its most significant sons. Sculptor Professor Jos Pirkner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was just shy of his 99th birthday and, right up until the end, remained mentally sharp and deeply connected to his homeland.

A life dedicated to art, rooted in East Tyrol

Jos Pirkner was born in Matrei in East Tyrol in 1927. The rugged beauty of the mountain landscape, the clarity of forms, and the powerful nature of his homeland would shape his entire artistic career. After initial forays as a woodcarver, he was drawn out into the wider world – he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and later in Salzburg, where he became a master student of Giacomo Manzù. Yet the pull of his native valleys remained. He returned time and again, and several decades ago, he permanently established his studio in Matrei. From there, he enriched the art world without ever seeming out of touch.

His works are unmistakable: monumental yet intricate. He mastered bronze like few others. His human figures and animal depictions feel alive, full of movement and inner tension. Whether it's the majestic "Otter Fountain" in Lienz, the impressive Stations of the Cross in Salzburg Cathedral, or his monumental sculptures in public spaces from Vienna to overseas – Jos Pirkner understood how to breathe stories into metal.

More than an artist: A mentor and friend to many

For the people of East Tyrol, he wasn't just "the Professor." He was Jos, the bloke you'd run into while out hiking, who offered guidance and support to young artists, and who always dropped in for the opening of even the smallest local exhibition. His down-to-earth nature and his humour were legendary. I fondly recall many conversations in his studio, as he sketched new projects with a twinkle in his eye, always ready with a witty remark. His studio in Matrei was a place of inspiration, a pilgrimage site for art lovers from around the globe.

For his life's work, he received numerous accolades, including the Decoration of Honour for Art and Culture from the Province of Tyrol and the professional title of Professor. But the greatest honour, for him, was the love and recognition of his fellow Tyroleans.

An unforgettable legacy

Jos Pirkner's artistic legacy is immense. Here's a small glimpse into the diversity of his work:

• Public Fountains: The "Otter Fountain" in Lienz is one of East Tyrol's most photographed spots.
• Religious Art: His altar designs and Stations of the Cross adorn churches across Austria, such as in Salzburg and Innsbruck.
• Small Sculptures and Medals: Countless bronze sculptures grace private gardens and collections – often gifts to friends and companions.
• Portrait Busts: He captured the personalities of significant contemporaries in bronze, with an astonishing psychological depth.

With Jos Pirkner, we lose a master of his craft, a storyteller in bronze, and a person who loved and shaped his homeland like few others. His work remains – as a quiet companion in our streets, in our public spaces, and in our hearts. Rest in peace, great artist and friend.