Power and Cunning (Kraft und List), 1880
Josef Árpád Koppay (Hungary, 1859–1927)
Baron József Árpád Koppay von Drétoma was a distinguished Austro-Hungarian portrait painter known for his richly symbolic and evocative works. In Power and Cunning (Kraft und List), Koppay presents a striking allegory of strength and intellect.
At the center of the composition stands a powerful lion, a timeless symbol of physical strength, restrained by a chain around its neck. Resting against the lion is a dark-eyed, winged woman representing cunning, wisdom, or strategic intelligence. The imagery suggests the enduring idea that intellect can guide, influence, or even control raw power.
This captivating drawing is a variation of Koppay's earlier work, The Strong and the Weak. In the original composition, the scene lacked both the cemetery backdrop and the woman's wings, making Power and Cunning a more dramatic and symbolic interpretation of the same theme.
Matte Poster
- Printed with dye/pigment reactive inks on archival-quality matte paper
- Heavyweight 210 gsm paper with a thick, durable base
- Instant-dry coating helps resist fingerprints and smudges
- Carefully packaged and shipped in a heavy-duty protective poster tube
An intriguing piece of late 19th-century symbolism, this artwork makes a distinctive addition to any collection of historic, allegorical, or European fine art.