Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Terezin: Yard

Troller, Norbert, 1943

Name Class Date
Troller, Norbert, Terezin: Yard (1943), Leo Baeck Institute. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Troller, Norbert wahooart.com/en/artists/troller-norbert/
Artist’s dates
1896 – 1984
Painted
1943
Medium
Drawing
Original size
27 x 12 cm
Movement
Contemporary Realism Living artists painting the real world with traditional skill, often from photographs as well as from life.
Period
Modern
Held at
Leo Baeck Institute wahooart.com/en/museums/leo-baeck-institute-new-york-city/
Subject or theme
Life in Theresienstadt concentration camp

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Troller, Norbert died in 1984; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2054. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert

How big is it?

The original measures 27 × 12 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1890
  2. 1900
  3. 1910
  4. 1920
  5. 1930
  6. 1940
  7. 1950
  8. 1960
  9. 1970
  10. 1980

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 88 at death.

Painted when the artist was 47. The artist lived to 88. 11 of the 17 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Troller, Norbert (1896–1984) ▲ this work, 1943 every dated painting, decade by decade

Compare with

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/troller-norbert-terezin-yard-D9NH85-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Rosy Brown #d4a969

    Catalogued palette

    • #D4A969
    • #F6E7D1
    • #7F6D49
    • #AF8F5B

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Pastels The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Rosy Brown
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Troller, Norbert over the last twelve months — 3 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 45.0%
    2. 2 Italy 45.0%
    3. 3 Poland 10.0%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 13 most looked-at works by Troller, Norbert

    1. 1 Street Scene, Paris, 1948 16.0%
    2. 2 Terezin: People waiting for the soup, 1943 12.0%
    3. 3 Sailboat, 1940 12.0%
    4. 4 Terezin, Latrines, 1942 12.0%
    5. 5 Terezin: Yard, 1943 8.0%
    6. 6 Ile St. Louis, 1940 8.0%
    7. 7 Street, Italy, 1940 8.0%
    8. 8 Junk Furniture, Terezin, 1943 4.0%
    9. 9 Terezin: Yard, 1943 this painting 4.0%
    10. 10 Waterside, Maine, 1940 4.0%
    11. 11 Priest bearing cross, 1940 4.0%
    12. 12 New York City, 1950 4.0%
    13. 13 House and trees, reflected in water, 1940 4.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 17 works by this artist, of which 13 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 9 of them, with 4.0% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert

    A Silent Witness to Resilience

    In the hauntingly quiet lines of "Terezin: Yard," we are transported back to 1943, a period defined by profound darkness and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Created by the Czech-American artist Norbert Troller during his harrowing imprisonment in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, this drawing serves as much more than a mere visual record; it is a poignant window into a stolen moment of communal existence. The scene captures a group of individuals gathered within a courtyard, their figures arranged in a way that suggests a fragile sense of normalcy amidst the surrounding chaos. Through his meticulous observation, Troller transforms a simple social gathering into a profound meditation on presence and survival.

    The composition is striking in its starkness, utilizing a monochromatic palette that strips away the distractions of color to focus entirely on form, light, and shadow. The artist employs a delicate yet purposeful technique, likely using charcoal or graphite, to render the diverse group of people. Some figures are seated upon benches, while others stand in quiet contemplation, all oriented toward a singular, unseen focal point. This shared gaze creates an invisible thread of connection between the subjects, suggesting a collective experience—perhaps a moment of shared storytelling, a lecture, or simply the heavy silence of waiting. The architectural elements of the yard, though minimalist, provide a structured boundary that emphasizes the enclosure of the camp while highlighting the organic, human movement within it.

    The Art of Documentation and Memory

    To understand the emotional weight of this piece, one must consider Troller’s unique position as both an architect and a witness. His training in architecture is evident in the way he perceives space and the structural arrangement of the courtyard, yet his soul as an artist allows him to imbue these geometric realities with deep human emotion. Every line drawn in 1943 was an act of resistance—a way to reclaim identity and dignity when such things were being systematically stripped away. The diversity of ages and heights depicted in the crowd serves as a testament to the breadth of lives caught within the machinery of war, making the artwork a universal symbol of the human condition.

    For the discerning collector or interior designer, "Terezin: Yard" offers a profound opportunity to possess a piece of history that transcends mere decoration. It is a work of immense gravity and intellectual depth, perfect for spaces dedicated to reflection, history, or the celebration of human endurance. A high-quality reproduction of this drawing allows the subtle textures of Troller's strokes and the somber atmosphere of the original to be appreciated in a contemporary setting, serving as a powerful conversation piece that honors the memory of those who lived through these turbulent times. It is not merely an image of a yard; it is a portrait of hope persisting in the shadows.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Troller, Norbert

    Born in Brno, Czech Republic

    early life and education

    troller, norbert, a czech-american architect and artist, was born in brno, czech republic in 1896. he served as a soldier in world war i, taken prisoner by the italians but released within a year. after the war, he studied architecture at the brno technical university and later at the academy of fine arts in vienna.

    artistic expression in the face of adversity

    in 1942, troller was deported to theresienstadt concentration camp, where he utilized his artistic skills to document life within the camp. his works, characterized by their poignant portrayal of daily life, serve as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience.

    notable works and exhibitions

    troller's artwork has been featured in various exhibitions, including "terezin 1942-44: through the eyes of norbert troller" at the yeshiva university museum.

    his designs and sketches have also been showcased in the leo baeck institute's collection, highlighting his architectural expertise within the camp.

    some of his notable works can be found on AllPaintingsStore, a platform dedicated to showcasing artistic masterpieces.

    legacy and impact

    through his art, troller has left an indelible mark on history, serving as a poignant reminder of the atrocities faced by those in concentration camps during world war ii. his legacy continues to inspire artists and scholars alike.

    further reading and resources

    troller, norbert | AllPaintingsStore - explore more of troller's artwork on AllPaintingsStore.

    gemäldegalerie alte meister, germany: a comprehensive guide to the old masters gallery - discover the world of european art with this comprehensive guide.

    conclusion

    norbert troller's life serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. through his artwork, we are offered a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who suffered during world war ii, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

    Museum

    Leo Baeck Institute

    On show in New York City, United States of America

    A Sanctuary of Memory in the Heart of New York

    In the vibrant tapestry of New York City, nestled within the prestigious Center for Jewish History, lies a sanctuary that transcends the traditional boundaries of a museum. The

    Leo Baeck Institute

    serves as a profound beacon of remembrance, a place where the echoes of a vanished world are preserved with meticulous care and reverence. It is not merely a repository for artifacts but a living, breathing hub of scholarly investigation, where the shadows of the past are illuminated by the light of rigorous research and cultural engagement. The architecture of the institute reflects its solemn yet forward-looking mission, designed with a deliberate and striking simplicity that avoids unnecessary ornamentation to prioritize the intellectual exploration within its walls. This architectural restraint creates an atmosphere of focused contemplation, allowing the weight of history to resonate through every corridor and offering a bridge between eras.

    The Soul of a Culture Preserved

    To wander through the collections of the

    Leo Baeck Institute

    is to embark on an intimate journey through the soul of a culture. The holdings are nothing short of extraordinary, offering unparalleled insights into the vibrancy of German-Jewish life before the darkness of the mid-twentieth century. For the art lover and the scholar alike, the institute provides an enduring connection to a legacy of profound cultural significance. The collections feature:

    Rare Jewish Books:

    Exquisitely crafted manuscripts from centuries past that bear witness to profound religious scholarship and delicate artistic expression.

    Photographic Archives:

    Poignant images that capture the faces, families, and landscapes of communities forever changed, presenting portraits of everyday individuals whose lives were woven into the cultural fabric of Europe.

    Personal Papers:

    A collection of letters and documents that serve as a window into an era of resilience and adaptation, documenting individual narratives amidst extraordinary circumstances.

    What truly distinguishes the

    Leo Baeck Institute

    is its unwavering dedication to the nuance of identity. Unlike institutions that seek breadth, the LBI focuses deeply on the specificities of German-speaking Jewry, ensuring that the intricate details of their history are never lost to generalization. Through notable exhibitions that explore everything from the intellectual currents of the Weimar Republic to the artistic responses to wartime trauma, the institute fosters a vital dialogue between the past and the present, ensuring that the indelible mark of German-Jewish culture continues to inspire, educate, and move generations to come.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Terezin: Yard

    wahooart.com/en/art/download/troller-norbert-terezin-yard-D9NH85-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Norbert, Troller,. Terezin: Yard. 1943, Leo Baeck Institute. https://wahooart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-yard-D9NH85-en/
    APA
    Norbert, Troller, (1943). Terezin: Yard [Painting]. Leo Baeck Institute. https://wahooart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-yard-D9NH85-en/
    Chicago
    Troller, Norbert. Terezin: Yard. 1943. Leo Baeck Institute. https://wahooart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-yard-D9NH85-en/
    Harvard
    Norbert, Troller, (1943) Terezin: Yard. Leo Baeck Institute. Available at: https://wahooart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-yard-D9NH85-en/

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: theresienstadt, concentration camp, wwii. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Priest bearing cross (1940), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Contemporary Realism: Living artists painting the real world with traditional skill, often from photographs as well as from life. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Terezin: Yard — Troller, Norbert Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    What technique and style characterize "Terezin: Yard" by Troller, Norbert?

    In "Terezin: Yard", the drawing technique meets the Contemporary Realism movement.

    What atmosphere would a reproduction of "Terezin: Yard" by Troller, Norbert bring to a room?

    "Terezin: Yard" by Troller, Norbert has a nostalgic atmosphere and is recommended for an office. The mood is what the work brings to the space around it.

    What subject and atmosphere does "Terezin: Yard" by Troller, Norbert combine?

    "Terezin: Yard" by Troller, Norbert depicts theresienstadt, concentration camp, wwii, social gathering, human resilience, black and white, people in courtyard, in a nostalgic mood. Subject and atmosphere together describe the work.