Hinterhof

About this artwork

Auf der Rückseite befindet sich eine Lageplanskizze.

Art Historical Context

**Hinterhof** byny Dollschein, in 1943, offers a poignant glimpse into everyday life during World War II in Vienna. This watercolor on paper (Aquarell auf Papier), measuring 31.2 × 49.2 cm with its irregularly trimmed sheet, is classified as a drawing in Belvedere Collection. Watercolor's delicate transparency suits intimate scenes like a "Hinterhof"—a typical Viennese courtyard—allowing fluid washes to evoke atmosphere, light, and subtle textures often overlooked in grander works. Painted amid Austria's Nazi occupation, the piece reflects the quiet resilience of ordinary spaces in wartime. Dollschein's choice of medium highlights watercolor's portability and immediacy, ideal for capturing fleeting moments when larger-scale painting was impractical. As a woman artist in this era, her work contributes to the underrepresented voices documenting domesticity amid turmoil. A fascinating detail: the reverse bears a floor plan sketch, suggesting the artwork's personal utility—perhaps a multifunctional study blending art and architecture. This duality underscores the resourcefulness of creative life in 1943 Vienna, inviting visitors to ponder the hidden stories behind such modest masterpieces.