2019

Reflections of Bauhaus: the Academy of Applied Arts in Zagreb, 1949-1955

In celebration of the founding of Bauhaus (1919 – 1920), Klovićevi Dvori Gallery is presenting works created by artists who graduated from the Academy of Applied Arts in Zagreb. The short-lived Academy spurred only two generations of artists but made an impermeable mark on Croatian modern art. Its revolutionary curriculum which cultivated experimentation with materials and technology echoed the spirit of the famous German art school.

The Academy of Applied Arts was founded 70 years ago, but the reason why it was closed will probably never be known. It is speculated that the financial difficulties and even rivalry with the competing Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb contributed greatly to its dissolution. Since the paper trail is scarce and with almost none of the student works left, this exhibition is focused on bringing forth the originality in expression, and versatility of artists educated on the Academy, who through their work continued to spread the ideas and influence of the Academy long after its dissolution.

King Saul being greeted in triumph after David's defeat of Goliath by Renaissance painter and etcher Andrea Schiavone

Painting King Saul being greeted in triumph after David's defeat of Goliath by Renaissance painter and etcher Andrea Schiavone sold in December 2018 at Christie’s Old Masters Day Sale, is on view at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb from February 2019.

The painting, oil on panel (92.5 x 109.8 cm.) was always a part of different private collections, so it was never on display for the general public. It has an interesting provenance: among prominent owners, one of the last ones was H.R.H. Prince Paul of Yugoslavia (1893-1976). This time it was again bought by a private collector - a Croatian and British citizen who loaned it to the Museum of Arts and Crafts.

Andrea Schiavone, or Andrea Meldolla (Andrija Medulić in Croatian), was born in Zadar, present-day Croatia, in c. 1510 and died in Venice in 1563.