48. Washerwoman (At the Source) [cca. 1938.]

1903, Bosanska Gradiška - 1991, Zagreb

Estimate

EUR 15.000 - 25.000

Sold

EUR 42.500

Session

Wed, 8 October 2025 20:00

Omer Mujadžić enrolled in painting studies at the Zagreb Academy at only 15 years old, where he studied in Ljubo Babić's class. After graduating in 1924, he went to Paris with a scholarship from the French government. There, he became closely acquainted with the contemporary European tendencies, the figurativism of Pablo Picasso and the post-cubist manners of André Lhote, simultaneously exploring the legacy of old masters in the Louvre. During his stay in Paris, he found inspiration in the expression of magical realism and neoclassicism. Upon returning to Zagreb, he dedicated himself to teaching and from 1931 until his retirement in 1973, he was a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts, raising many generations of young artists. Upon arriving in Zagreb, Mujadžić created works of social and street themes, influenced by the group Zemlja, of which he was a co-founder and briefly a member. During the 1930s, he moved away from engaged art towards colorism. In addition to everyday scenes of rural life and nostalgic interiors, he devoted great interest to intimate female acts of large forms and strong plasticity. Mujadžić's works are characterized by a muted palette and compositions of quiet, almost meditative atmosphere. His realistic depictions often exude a poetic tone, giving everyday scenes a special depth and refinement. The offered artwork demonstrates a composition of Mujadžić's recognizable style in large dimensions. A group of girls is nestled in the damp greenery of the forest by a water source. The curvy figures of the young ladies lie, sit and stand around the source, refreshing themselves in the clear water. Taking a break from their tasks, the figures are shown resting after doing their washing, soaking their feet, rinsing their hands. One of the girls has stretched out along the shore, while in the background a figure of the fifth girl distances herself from the group in the foreground, returning along the forest path. The girls around the source are shown chatting, their soft glances lead the observer from one to the other young, sculptural female body. The scene is intimate, gentle and sensual, the palette is warm. Although it's an everyday scene of washing, Mujadžić's figures are refined, gently frozen in the moment. The piece exudes a quiet harmony where nature, intimacy and the timeless beauty of the female body meet.

Dimensions

width 176 cm, height 136 cm

Description

oil on canvas, signed upper right, in black, "Mujadžić"

Dating

cca. 1938.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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