Anyone standing in front of the bust of Franz von Zülow next to the Haugsdorf municipal office is not only looking at the face of an important Austrian artist—but also into the history of a place that profoundly shaped his work. For Zülow, Haugsdorf was more than just a place to live: it was a source of inspiration, a studio, and the center of his family life.
An Artist Family in the Pulkau Valley
The von Zülow family was an exceptionally creative aristocratic family. Franz von Zülow (1883–1963) gained international recognition as a painter, graphic artist, and craftsman. Franz lived in Haugsdorf from 1909 to 1915. During this time, he created works that are now considered among the most distinctive contributions to Austrian modernism. His mother, Marie von Zülow—the daughter of a winegrower from Haugsdorf—and his sister Mitzi were also active artists. Together, they shaped the cultural life of the village—quietly, yet profoundly.
The bust of Franz von Zülow, created by sculptor Robert Himmelbauer, commemorates him in the town center. It is complemented by two mosaic panels designed by students at Haugsdorf Middle School. The motifs are based on Zülow’s original drawings—a vibrant dialogue between the past and the present.
Style and Signature Style
Zülow’s early works are strongly influenced by Art Nouveau. Beginning in the 1920s, he turned increasingly to oil painting. His paintings depict rural scenes with bold brushstrokes and a natural, earthy color palette.
The painting “Motif from Haugsdorf” (1937) is a striking example of this close connection between the artist and the region.
A special treasure are the so-called “Monatshefte” (Monthly Booklets), which Franz von Zülow created during his time in Haugsdorf. Between 1909 and 1915, these hand-colored accordion-fold booklets were self-published right in the village. Each Leporello is a one-of-a-kind piece featuring motifs from the Pulkau Valley and everyday village life, measuring over a meter in length and created using a paper-cut printing technique developed by Zülow himself. Today, these works are housed in renowned collections such as the Albertina and the Lower Austrian State Museum—yet their origins lie right here.
The Zülow Trail – A Hike Through Art
To bring this connection to life, the Zülow Trail was launched in 2007. This lovingly designed themed trail winds through Haugsdorf and connects key milestones in Zülow’s life with his work.
The “Zülow in Haugsdorf” association offers regular guided art walks—featuring stories, background information, and personal anecdotes.
Video & Info: https://zuelow.mghaugsdorf.at
