These artworks by Hannes Egger are dedicated to the last blacksmith who worked here with fire, anvil, and tongs. Domenico Zampieri was widely known for a unique skill: he relieved people from the pain of sciatica by burning the nerve between the toes with a hot iron. This craft, learned in India, made him a sought-after healer for people from near and far.

The four paintings by Hannes Egger are meant to be viewed as a vertical sequence, portraying the last blacksmith. Egger depicts him with broad shoulders and rough hands, holding the anvil, with his hat pulled low over his face.

The horseshoe, along with the fire, tongs, nail, and wagon wheel, are symbols that mark him as a blacksmith. The sciatic nerve between the toes, which he burned, is also pictured, since it is a part of his work that defined who he was. This work documents the history of the Schwarzschmied Hotel, built on the place’s traditions, which live within.

Hannes Egger studied philosophy and always aims to convey a narrative through his art. While he has worked extensively with drawings and symbols, he has recently focused on participatory projects that invite viewers to become part of the artwork. His art is displayed throughout the hotel and he offers regular guided tours.