Lot 280

Josef Mařatka (1874 - 1937) MAY

Josef Mařatka created the first version of the sculpture with the theme of The Kiss in 1909. This was followed by the variants There was the First May, The Wave and Ursus and Lygia from the same year. In all of these sculptures, the relationship between two closely packed figures is addressed. In these chamber sculptures, Mařatka drew on the impressionistic mode of modelling acquired during his time in Auguste Rodin's studio. Rodin himself treated the theme of the embracing couple several times. The offered chamber sculpture made of white glazed ceramics has the well-known verses from Mácha's May Day: 'It was the first May, it was the time of love' on a plate with an engraved motif of laurel. Local defect.