Herbert Johannes Josef Siebner
(Canadian/German, 1925–2003)
Untitled Triptych
c. 1980s
Watercolour and ink on paper (Triptych of three works)
Frame (each): 23.5 × 24.5 in. (59.7 × 62.2 cm)
Executed in the 1980s, this rare and striking triptych highlights Herbert Siebner's mastery of rhythm, graphic silhouette, and mythic storytelling. Spanning three uniformly framed panels, the composition features stark black totemic figures and dark celestial orbs set against an intense, saturated crimson red horizon. By repeating these elemental motifs across three sequential panels, Siebner creates a dynamic visual narrative that plays with balance, space, and ancient symbolism.
Presented as a complete set of three substantially framed works, this triptych creates a commanding feature-wall installation extending over six feet wide. The fluid handling of watercolour and ink demonstrates Siebner's sensitivity to paper, contrasting bold graphic shapes with soft tonal variations. Multi-panel works by Siebner from this period are exceptionally rare, offering collectors a cohesive and high-impact presentation of his late modern style.
Arriving in Victoria in 1954 after studying under Max Pechstein at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin, Siebner is widely credited with helping introduce German Expressionism to Western Canada. In 1971, he co-founded the legendary Victoria Limners Society alongside Maxwell Bates, Myfanwy Pavelic, Karl Spreitz, and Elza Mayhew, creating a vital bohemian collective that transformed the regional art scene. Over his five-decade career, Siebner held more than 130 solo exhibitions across North America and Europe.
Major Accolades & Recognition:
Held over 130 solo exhibitions worldwide during his lifetime
Elected Member, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (R.C.A., 1973)
Co-Founder and President, The Victoria Limners Society (1971)
Recipient, Canada Council Senior Arts Fellowship Grant (1962)
Canadian National Award in Graphic Arts (1956)
Canadian Centennial Medal Recipient (1967)
Retrospective & Solo Exhibitions, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1984, 2003)
Selected Permanent Collections:
National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Vancouver Art Gallery (Vancouver, BC)
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (Victoria, BC)
Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, ON)
Collection of Princess Fernanda von Thurn und Taxis
City of Berlin Collection (Berlin, Germany)
Confederation Centre Art Gallery (Charlottetown, PEI)
Seattle Art Museum (Seattle, WA)
University of Victoria Archives & Special Collections (Victoria, BC)
Feckless Collection (Vancouver, BC)
Herbert Johannes Josef Siebner
(Canadian/German, 1925–2003)
Untitled Triptych
c. 1980s
Watercolour and ink on paper (Triptych of three works)
Frame (each): 23.5 × 24.5 in. (59.7 × 62.2 cm)
Executed in the 1980s, this rare and striking triptych highlights Herbert Siebner's mastery of rhythm, graphic silhouette, and mythic storytelling. Spanning three uniformly framed panels, the composition features stark black totemic figures and dark celestial orbs set against an intense, saturated crimson red horizon. By repeating these elemental motifs across three sequential panels, Siebner creates a dynamic visual narrative that plays with balance, space, and ancient symbolism.
Presented as a complete set of three substantially framed works, this triptych creates a commanding feature-wall installation extending over six feet wide. The fluid handling of watercolour and ink demonstrates Siebner's sensitivity to paper, contrasting bold graphic shapes with soft tonal variations. Multi-panel works by Siebner from this period are exceptionally rare, offering collectors a cohesive and high-impact presentation of his late modern style.
Arriving in Victoria in 1954 after studying under Max Pechstein at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin, Siebner is widely credited with helping introduce German Expressionism to Western Canada. In 1971, he co-founded the legendary Victoria Limners Society alongside Maxwell Bates, Myfanwy Pavelic, Karl Spreitz, and Elza Mayhew, creating a vital bohemian collective that transformed the regional art scene. Over his five-decade career, Siebner held more than 130 solo exhibitions across North America and Europe.
Major Accolades & Recognition:
Held over 130 solo exhibitions worldwide during his lifetime
Elected Member, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (R.C.A., 1973)
Co-Founder and President, The Victoria Limners Society (1971)
Recipient, Canada Council Senior Arts Fellowship Grant (1962)
Canadian National Award in Graphic Arts (1956)
Canadian Centennial Medal Recipient (1967)
Retrospective & Solo Exhibitions, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1984, 2003)
Selected Permanent Collections:
National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Vancouver Art Gallery (Vancouver, BC)
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (Victoria, BC)
Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, ON)
Collection of Princess Fernanda von Thurn und Taxis
City of Berlin Collection (Berlin, Germany)
Confederation Centre Art Gallery (Charlottetown, PEI)
Seattle Art Museum (Seattle, WA)
University of Victoria Archives & Special Collections (Victoria, BC)
Feckless Collection (Vancouver, BC)
