Copyright This work is in the public domain. Károly Lotz died in 1904; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1974.
In context
Sunset — Károly Lotz
The original measures 48 × 61 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 71 at death.
Painted when the artist was 37. The artist lived to 71. 5 of the 20 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Károly Lotz (1833–1904) ▲ this work, 1870 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1869 Main working years: 1869–1890 Late works: from 1890
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: wahooart.com/en/art/similar/sunset-by-karoly-lotz/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #d1be93
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
Artist and museum
Born in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany
Born in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany, Károly Lotz was the youngest of eight children. Following the death of his father, his family moved to Pest, which is now part of Budapest. His artistic journey began as a pupil of the Hofkapellmeister Destouches and continued under the guidance of Jakab Marastoni in the academy of the Venetian master. He furthered his training in Budapest under Henrik Weber and in Vienna with Carl Rahl.
His early career saw him working as a romantic landscape artist, focusing on scenes of the Alföld, the Hungarian lowland plain. He eventually transitioned into creating monumental murals and frescos, adopting a style reminiscent of the Venetian master Tiepolo. His later years were marked by significant public commissions, including the "Apotheosis of the Habsburg Dynasty," a massive ceiling fresco in the Royal Palace, which he completed in 1903.
Lotz was a highly influential figure in the Hungarian art world, serving as a professor at various art academies in Budapest. In 1885, he became the dean of a newly established department for women painters. His artistic output was vast, spanning various public and private spaces, including:
He was known for his portraits and nudes, often using his wife and daughters as models. After marrying the widow Jacoboy, he signed his works as Károly Jacoboy-Lotz. Upon his death in Budapest, he was honored with a state funeral and interred inside a memorial.
On show in Budapest, Hungary
Nestled within the majestic, sun-drenched walls of Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the sprawling, shimmering beauty of Budapest, lies the
. This is far more than a mere repository of art; it is a vibrant, breathing chronicle of a nation’s soul. To wander through its grand halls is to embark on an intimate journey spanning centuries, witnessing the profound evolution of Hungarian creativity—from the solemnity of medieval religious iconography to the daring, boundary-pushing experiments of modernism. The very stones of the castle seem to whisper tales of kings and revolutions, providing a breathtakingly grand backdrop for the treasures contained within.
The Gallery’s collection is not simply an assemblage of beautiful objects but a carefully curated narrative reflecting Hungary’s unique position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western influences. The medieval wood altars, intricate and remarkably preserved, offer a poignant glimpse into the fervent religious devotion that shaped early Hungarian identity. These are stunning examples of craftsmanship, revealing a sophisticated artistic tradition where meticulous detail in carving and gilding speaks to the cultural ambitions of the era. As one moves through time, the atmosphere shifts toward the psychological and the symbolic. The works of
János Vaszváry
, such as
The Morphinist
, exemplify a period preoccupied with social commentary and internal struggle, while the distinctive style of
Rippl-Rónai
creates an atmosphere of intimate introspection. His canvases, a captivating blend of Symbolism and Hungarian folk art, pulsate with color and texture, drawing inspiration from the very landscapes and traditions that define the region.
For the admirer of dramatic realism and monumental scale, the Gallery offers unparalleled emotional resonance. The centerpiece of the collection is undoubtedly
Mihály Munkácsy’s
The Blind Girl
, a masterpiece that embodies the raw, unflinching portrayal of human suffering characteristic of Hungarian Romanticism. Alongside it, works like
Christ Before Pilate
explore themes of moral struggle and sacrifice with breathtaking anatomical precision. This sense of grandeur extends to the visionary landscapes of
Csontváry
, whose
Ruins of Ancient Theatre, Taormina
captures a bold declaration of artistic vision against a dramatic Sicilian sky. Whether it is the serene Byzantine influences found in the works of
István Dörffmeister
or the enduring presence of folk art in
Noémi Ferenczy’s
tapestries, the collection serves as a profound testament to the nation's ability to grapple with complex philosophical ideas through visual mastery.
The architectural setting itself is an integral part of the experience. Occupying a historic Baroque building, the Gallery offers a sense of grandeur that complements its monumental canvases. This architectural significance, paired with the museum's ongoing commitment to expansion and research, ensures that it remains a dynamic hub for both scholars and travelers alike. For collectors and interior designers seeking inspiration, the Gallery provides a masterclass in how art can define a space, blending historical weight with aesthetic brilliance.
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Look closely
Sunset — Károly Lotz
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The colors of "Sunset" by Károly Lotz show a subtle color saturation with a balanced intensity.
The image of "Sunset" by Károly Lotz can be downloaded from the artwork's Download page: a high-resolution digital image download.
"Sunset" by Károly Lotz is a landscape composition. The proportions are worth checking before choosing a print size.