Jos Pirkner Passes Away: East Tyrol Mourns Its Great Sculptor

The news strikes deep: East Tyrol has lost one of its most distinguished sons. The 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 remained mentally sharp and deeply connected to his homeland until the very end.

A Life Devoted to Art, Rooted in East Tyrol

Jos Pirkner was born in Matrei in East Tyrol in 1927. The rugged beauty of the alpine 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 longing for his native valleys remained. He returned time and again, and a few decades ago, he finally established his studio permanently in Matrei. From there, he enriched the art world, without ever seeming out of touch.

His works are unmistakable: monumental and yet intricate at the same time. 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 scenes in Salzburg Cathedral, or his monumental sculptures in public spaces from Vienna to overseas – Jos Pirkner had a gift for breathing stories into metal.

More Than an Artist: A Mentor and a Friend

For the people of East Tyrol, he wasn't just "the Professor." He was Jos, the man you'd meet while out 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 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 countrymen.

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 beloved photo subjects.
• 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 sculptures grace private gardens and collections – often gifts to friends and companions.
• Portrait Busts: He captured the personalities of notable contemporaries in bronze, with an astonishing 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 endures – as a silent companion in our streets, in our squares, and in our hearts. Rest in peace, great artist and friend.