Lot 155

František Maria Černý (1903 - 1978) A GROUP OF THREE DRAWINGS

FRANTIŠEK MARIA ČERNÝ is an important exponent of Functionalist architecture in Bohemia. After he graduated from the school of sculpture and stonemasonry in Hořice, he studied under Pavel Janák at the School of Applied Arts in Prague (1921–1923) and under Josef Gočár at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague (1924–1926), graduating in 1927. His work from the 1920s reflects Neoplastic style of the Dutch art group De Stijl. In the 1930s and 40s he followed Le Corbusier’s approach to designing a modern expression of monumentalism. He became more widely known for his post-war completion of Emmaus Church (1967). In his architectural design, the building was reconstructed so that the demolished towers would be replaced with concrete wings and gilt points that now punctuate the Prague panorama. He also designed apartment buildings in Prague–Vinohrady, the tram depot in Prague–Motol and the hospital in Kolín, and he reconstructed several landmarks, including the chateau in Benešov nad Ploučnicí. He designed the important Neoplastic Workers’ Accident Insurance Institute (1924), the National Theater development (1942) and Old Town Hall (1946). In 1924 he became a member of the Devětsil art group and Mánes Union of Fine Artists. Černý’s membership in the Devětsil art group inspired him to create art that is relatively unknown among the public.

THE SQUARE IN VICENZA – VIEW OF THE LION OF ST. MARK COLUMN, blue soft pastel on paper, signed and dated in ink lower right “FM Černý VI.1923.” View of a column from the latter half of the 15th century featuring the symbol of Venice, a winged lion, on Piazza dei Signori in the historical center of Vicenza, Italy.

A FEMALE NUDE, 1924, charcoal and white paint on paper, dated in charcoal lower right “1924”. A seated female nude with contours emphasized with white paint.

A FEMALE FIGURE, 1920s, colored soft pastels on paper, initials lower right “F.M.Č”. A Surrealist composition with an Ionic column behind a female figure in an abstract universe.