Jos Pirkner Passes Away: East Tyrol Mourns Its Great Sculptor

The news strikes deep: East Tyrol has lost one of its most significant sons. The sculptor Professor Jos Pirkner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was nearing his 99th birthday, and remained mentally sharp and deeply connected to his homeland until the very end.

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 mountains, the clarity of forms, and the powerful nature of his homeland would shape his entire artistic career. After initial forays as a wood carver, he was drawn to 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 longing for his home valleys remained. He returned time and again, and a few decades ago, he permanently established his studio in Matrei. From there, he enriched the art world, all while remaining remarkably grounded.

His works are unmistakable: monumental yet delicate. He mastered bronze like few others. His human figures and animal depictions feel alive, full of movement and inner tension. Whether 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 the Community

For the people of East Tyrol, he wasn't just "the Professor." He was Jos, the familiar face you'd meet while hiking, who supported young artists with advice and action, and who would always drop by the opening of even the smallest local exhibition. His down-to-earth nature and humour were legendary. I recall many conversations in his studio, where he'd sketch new projects with twinkling eyes, 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.

His life's work earned him numerous awards, including the Decoration of Honour for Art and Culture from the Province of Tyrol and the professional title Professor. Yet, to him, the greatest honour was the love and recognition of his fellow countrymen.

An Enduring Legacy

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

• Public Fountains: The "Otter Fountain" in Lienz is one of East Tyrol's most photographed landmarks.
• Religious Art: His altar designs and Stations of the Cross adorn churches throughout Austria, such as in Salzburg and Innsbruck.
• Small Sculptures and Medals: Countless bronze pieces 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 – a silent companion in our streets, in our squares, and in our hearts. Rest in peace, great artist and friend.