Lot 55

Rudolf Bém (1874 - 1955) WINTER LANDSCAPE NEAR MUNICH

Notwithstanding the fact, that Rudolf Bém is an almost forgotten author nowadays, in his time he was sought by many famous personages. His landscape works excel in their subtleness and gentle shadowing in waves and cirrus clouds which are painted in a very plastic impression. Landscape in snow veil bears gentle touches of the warm sun beams and maybe also suggests a spring to come. Waves on the water surface dynamize the overall soft and static composition and mirror bright yellow tones of leaves, making a juxtaposition to cold colour scheme. Rudolf Bém gained many prizes on Academy of Fine art as a student of professor Hynais. He was also a member of Mánes and Jednota výtvarných umělců (Union of fine artists) and his artworks were purchased by five ministeries. After the formation of Czechoslovakia he decided for a crucial change of his artistic life. Out of his patriotic motivations he accepted name Vratislav Hlava in 1919.