Jos Pirkner passes away: East Tyrol mourns its great sculptor
The news hits hard: East Tyrol has lost one of its most significant sons. Sculptor Professor Jos Pirkner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, surrounded by his family. He was just shy of his 99th birthday, and remained mentally agile 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 career. After initial forays as a woodcarver, 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 finally set up his studio permanently in Matrei. From here, he enriched the art world, without ever seeming detached or out of touch.
His works are unmistakable: monumental yet simultaneously 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
For the people of East Tyrol, he wasn't just "the Professor." He was Jos, the bloke you'd bump into while out hiking, who supported young artists with advice and action, and who would always pop in to the opening of even the smallest local exhibition. His down-to-earth nature and humour were legendary. I recall many conversations in his studio, sketching new projects with a twinkle in his eye and always a witty remark on his lips. 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 awards, including the Decoration of Honour for Art and Culture from the Province of Tyrol and the professional title 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 photographed spots.
- Religious Art: His altar designs and Stations of the Cross adorn churches throughout 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 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 endures – as a quiet companion in our streets, in our public squares, and in our hearts. Rest in peace, great artist and friend.