68. Girl with a Lute

Ivan Meštrović (1883-1962) was one of the most prominent Croatian sculptors and architects, whose work had a significant impact on the development of modern sculpture in Croatia and the world. He was born in Vrpolje near Đakovo, and began his artistic career in Zagreb, where he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts. In addition to his education in Zagreb, Meštrović also studied in Vienna, and during his life stayed in many European cities, including Paris, where he gained international recognition. He was an artist who combined tradition with modernism, creating works in different styles and leaving a powerful mark on the art scene of the 20th century. He is best known for his monumental sculptures, but his art covered a wide range of genres, from portraits to abstract compositions. Meštrović was also politically engaged, participated in the cultural life of Yugoslavia, and after World War II he emigrated to the United States, where he continued his work and eventually passed away. Meštrović is the author of numerous sculptures that encompass diverse thematic spheres - from historical figures, religious motifs, to abstract forms. His art is recognized for its expressive forming of the human body, deep emotional charge and intense psychological and philosophical approach. He created in bronze, marble, stone and wood, and his sculptures can be found throughout Croatia and the world, from public monuments to museums and galleries. Considering the wealth of stylistic approaches, his works encompass various phases of creativity, from realism and symbolism to modern, abstract tendencies, which testify to his versatility and constant search for new artistic expressions. The Girl with a Lute is one of Meštrović's better-known works and an excellent example of his ability to retain emotional depth and poetic beauty in sculpture. Through this sculpture, the author masterfully combines gentleness and strength, static and dynamic, creating an impression that every element is in perfect balance. The sculpture also reflects Meštrović's interest in the spiritual and intellectual dimension of human nature, as the young woman in the intimacy of music symbolizes deeper human values such as introspection and artistic inspiration. Meštrović managed to create a unique blend of classic aesthetic values with a modern sculptural approach in this sculpture. Made in bronze, the composition of the sculpture reflects the author's exceptional skill in shaping volume, light and space, while simultaneously conveying a sense of quiet elegance and inner strength.

Dimensions

depth 15 cm, width 70 cm, height 61 cm

Description

bronze

Research information

The work is accompanied by expertise from Igor Zidić, director of the Modern Gallery, 2006. The work has two known castings, one is located in the collection of the Museum of Yugoslavia, and the other in the collection of Malancec, Museum of the City of Koprivnica.

PROVENANCE

Historical collection of Petar Meštrović (1894 - 1967); the work was gifted in the 1960s by Petar Mestrovic to Dušan Čalić (1918 - 1993); Dušan Čalić was an influential economist and politician of the 20th century, synonymous with the post-war and communist era in Yugoslavia. A member of SKOJ and KPJ from his teenage years (1933, 1939), following the Second World War, Čalić rose through the ranks, becoming a key state figure - Minister for trade, state secretary for industry and economy, state and republic deputy, ambassador of SFRY in Hungary (1963-67) and a member of the Federal Council (1967–89.). Alongside his political career, he was a successful economist, teacher, and writer, dedicating his life to the development of social and economic status of Croatia; from 2004, the collection of the descendants of the Čalić family.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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