Jos Pirkner Passes Away at 98: East Tyrol Mourns the Loss of Its Celebrated Sculptor

The news hits hard: East Tyrol has lost one of its most distinguished 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 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 alpine landscape, the clarity of forms, and the powerful nature of his homeland would come to define his entire artistic career. After his first attempts as a woodcarver, he ventured out into the wider world – studying 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 decades ago, he finally established his studio permanently in Matrei. From there, he enriched the art world, without ever seeming detached or aloof.

His works are unmistakable: monumental yet simultaneously intricate. His command over bronze was nearly unparalleled. 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 had a gift for breathing stories into metal.

More Than an Artist: A Mentor and Father Figure

For the people of East Tyrol, he wasn't just "the Professor." He was Jos, the man you'd meet while out hiking, who readily offered advice and support to young artists, and who would stop by the opening of even the smallest local exhibition. His down-to-earth nature and humor were legendary. I remember many conversations in his studio, sketching 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 awards, including the Decoration of Honour for Art and Culture from the Province of Tyrol and the professional title of Professor. But the greatest honor for him was the love and respect 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.
• Sacred Art: His altar designs and Stations of the Cross adorn churches across Austria, including 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 remains – as a silent companion in our streets, in our public squares, and in our hearts. Rest in peace, great artist and friend.