Alfred Poell was a member of the Viennese Secession, cofounder and chairman of the artist-groups Der Ring and MAERZ. His paintings won a number of awards in 1908, 1909 and 1925.

During his lifetime Alfred Poell was an important patron of arts in Linz, Upper Austria, and his works where shown in several exhibitions. Shortly after his death in 1929 he and his works sank into oblivion. Although Alfred Poell's paintings can be found in austrian collections and museums, such as the Belvedere in Vienna, his rediscovery is still the work and achievement of private collectors.