Lot 76

Ladislav Šaloun (1870 - 1946) A GIRL WITH A DRAPERY

Ladislav Šaloun, sculptor and illustrator, pupil of T. Seidan and B. Schnirch, is one of the key figures of Czech Art Nouveau Symbolism in sculpture. He was one of the most prolific sculptors of the first half of the 20th century and often collaborated with architects on monumental works. His main and most important work was the monument to Mister Jan Hus on Old Town Square in Prague (1901, completed 1915). During its creation, Šaloun was influenced by the monumental work of Auguste Rodin. For Šaloun, a statue does not mean a mere stylistic transformation, but becomes a vehicle for the expression of thought. The offered smaller sculpture Girl with Drapery (Zuzanka), which was made by the famous foreign artist Franta Anýž, is a charming example of Šaloun's characteristic style, which combines the static nature of the sculpture with the atmosphere of the subject: bathing, changing clothes. On the base made of marble from Slivenec the dedication is engraved: 'To the President of the Old Town Sports Club of Bohemia 1941'. Dimensions are with plinth.