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1932 Innsbruck - 2011 Wien
- Title
- „Senatus Consultum“
- Time
- 2005
- signed
- and dated "Prachensky 05"
- Technique
- acrylic on handmade paper
- Measurements
- 27½ × 24½ in
with frame ca. 33 x 30 in.
„Even at first glance, I knew that this city would consume me – and it did. I remained as a lover and painter and, I believe, as a chronicler of Rome from my perspective […]. No matter where in the world I was, I had been living in Rome since my youth. Now I live in Rome, even though I am in Vienna […].“ Markus Prachensky, 2006
Markus Prachensky, born in Innsbruck in 1932, studied architecture from 1952 and painting from 1953 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. He soon devoted himself exclusively to painting, but was always fascinated by architecture, especially that of ancient Rome, which often inspired his paintings. The „Senatus Consultum“-series was created in 2005 and, together with the “Senatus Populusque Romanus” (2004) and “Farnesina Dixie” (2006) series, forms the Imperium Romanum cycle. This cycle of works is based on Prachensky’s experiences during his numerous trips to Rome and his intensive study of Roman history and architecture. With expressive, gestural emotional notes in his „color of life“ – red – Prachensky translated the impressions of his stays in the Eternal City into his unique, expressive, spontaneous visual language.
The black background of the Senatus Consultum series further enhances the radiance of the color red, which dominates all the works in the cycle. The title refers to the letters S. C. (Senatus Consultum), which appear on the reverse side of all Roman coins. They confirm that the Senate had granted permission for the coins to be minted.