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Josef Drahoňovský is a leading Czech sculptor of the early 20th century and is considered the best Czech glyptic artist. After studying at the State Technical School for Cutting, Engraving and Setting Precious Stones in Turnov, he worked as an engraver for Dörflinger in Vienna. After experiencing difficulties obtaining a scholarship, in 1896 he entered the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, where he studied under professors Celda Klouček and Stanislav Sucharda. In 1904 he became Sucharda's assistant, and six years later he was appointed as a regular professor at the Academy. His carvings into stone and glass have recently appeared on the art market, but bronze sculptures are rare. Drahoňovský's sculptures are often connected with architecture. Among his most well-known work is his interior decoration for the Café Imperial in Prague. The sculpture on offer here was exhibited at a retrospective exhibition of Josef Drahoňovský's oeuvre, which was held by the Myslbek association in early 1939. More recently, the work was exhibited at the exhibition titled Drahoňovský and his Students, which was held in Turnov in 2008. Published in: J.Čadík: Josef Drahoňovský Meisterwerke Böhmischer Glaskunst, 1933, fig. 4 and 5.; Seznam děl výstavy životního díla profesora Josefa Drahoňovského - sochaře a glyptika českého, 1939, p. 13, no. 31. Bronze, signed "J. Drahoňovský" on bottom right of plinth.