Jos Pirkner passes away: East Tyrol mourns the loss of its great sculptor

The news cuts deep: East Tyrol has lost one of its most distinguished sons. The sculptor Professor Jos Pirkner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, surrounded by his family. He was just shy of his 99th birthday, and remained mentally sharp and deeply connected to his homeland right up until the 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 mountain landscape, the clarity of forms, and the powerful nature of his homeland would shape his entire artistic output. 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 aloof or out of touch.

His works are unmistakable: monumental yet simultaneously delicate. His mastery of bronze was second to none. 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 had the gift of breathing stories into metal.

More than an artist: A mentor and friend

For the people of East Tyrol, he wasn't just "the Professor." He was Jos, someone you'd meet out on a walk, who offered advice and support to young artists, and who would always stop by the opening of even the smallest local exhibition. His down-to-earth nature and his humour were legendary. I 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 across the globe.

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

An enduring legacy

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

• 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 across Austria, for instance 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 a surprising psychological depth.

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