Welcome to our Franz Elmiger website.
This website is intended to make the work and life of the artist Franz Elmiger accessible to a wide audience in digital form. This was first done with the book Franz Elmiger by Albert Elmiger, Littau and his co-authors in 1983. This work was made on behalf of the artist’s nieces and nephews and with the support of the co-authors Dr. phil. Franz Mosele, Anton E. Müller, Dr. phil. Lisbeth Marfurt-Elmiger and Bernhard Greber-Elmiger.
Discover the digital collection of paintings and documents by Franz Elmiger in the “Artworks” section. To give you a better overview, we have implemented filter options that allow you to browse the collection by subject, technique or year.
The collection includes a variety of works, including oil paintings, aquarelles and drawings from different creative phases. Both well-known and newly discovered works are made accessible here.
The complete catalog of works is not publicly accessible and is only available to a limited number of people – in particular museums and the creators of the website.
Franz Elmiger grew up in a farming family in Ermensee / Lucerne. The painter never gave up this self-evident identity of his rural origins and testifies to his deep roots in his family, the landscape and the animals.
His regular participation in the so-called rotating exhibitions of Swiss artists brought him national recognition. Alongside Hodler, Giacometti and Amiet, Franz Elmiger was a member of the important jury three times, in 1911, 1913 and 1915.
He knew Hodler, Valloton, Max Buri and Cuno Amiet – to name just the most important. The artist, who was himself reserved in his words, left no oral or written record of these relationships.
This is the first time that his paintings have been presented to the public in this comprehensive way. They are pictures that awaken in us a feeling of home and a sense comfort. Franz Elmiger impressively discloses his deep connection with the landscape. Copyright © 1983 by the publisher: Albert Elmiger, Littau on behalf of the artist’s nieces and nephews.
Editorial office:
Dr. phil. Franz Mosele
Anton E. Müller Editor
Dr. phil. Lisbeth Marfurt- Elmiger
Bernhard Greber, Gymnasium teacher
Copyright 1983 by the publisher
Photolithos: E. Kreienbühl & Co. AG, Lucerne
Design, typesetting and printing: Mengis + Sticher AG, Lucerne
Photos: all photos by Urs Byland, Lucerne
except 19, 42, 49 Peter Ammon and 50 Kunsthaus Zürich
Book cover: Benzinger AG, Einsiedeln
Delivery: Harlekin-Verlag AG, 6002 Lucerne
This website is my personal project to honor the work of my great-uncle, Franz Elmiger. His art has inspired me since my childhood. Uncle Albert (a nephew of Franz Elmiger) often visited us together with his wife Meieli. Together with my father, he reviewed the paintings at our home in Ermensee. Listening to the stories and admiring the works was always something very special for me.
A particular highlight was the exhibition in Hochdorf in 1982, which was initiated and directed by Albert Elmiger. Together with him, many other volunteers and my father, I was able to help carefully bring together numerous works from all over Switzerland for this exhibition – an unforgettable experience.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all those who supported me in the creation of this website – especially the information providers and those who critically reviewed the content and made valuable suggestions. Without their help, this project would not have been possible.
