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Oil on canvas. Signed lower left: “V.Komárek 91”. Czech painter, illustrator, graphic artist and lecturer Vladimir Komárek was a leading figure in Czech fine art of the 20th century. He started his studies at the glassmaking school in Železný Brod. In 1946 he was admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, but after two years he transferred to the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, graduating in 1954 under Professor Karel Štipl. During his studies he actively pursued his own art, but also took part in various groups; in 1965–1971, for example, he was a member of the Hollar Association of Czech Graphic Artists. His earlier work is distinctive for his marked expressiveness, while his later, more mature work is significantly more poetic and lyrical. Komárek's means of expression was primarily a subdued color palette and soft contours, imparting a unique atmosphere to his works. Komárek enlivened his painting with the celebrated tradition of Czech imagination. His prints are also exceptional, and especially his small prints and bookplates are prized in Europe.