Informatica museologica, No. 45-46, 2015.
Professional paper
An Unknown Work of the Painter Vilko Gecan (1894-1973)
Đurđa Petravić
; Moderna galerija, Zagreb
Abstract
The collection owned by Dr Božidar Grgić contains a considerable number of sculptures by artists such as Hinko Juhn, Joza
Turkalj and Ivo Kerdić, who took part in the exhibitions of the
Spring Salon in the 1916-1928 period, creating their finest
works in that time.
In 2015, Dr Grgić, with whom the present author has worked
for many years, gave her a look at the bronze plaque with a
portrait of Anka Gecan. This piece, previously unknown to the
art history discipline, was created by one of the four most
important exponents of Expressionism in Croatia, the painter
Vilko Gecan; it had been acquired from the heirs of the GecanStranić family. Since this bronze plaque with a lyrical portrait
of Anka had previously been unknown, it was naturally never
exhibited in shows of his work. The portrait of his young wife
in profile was modelled in bas relief in 1920, with a great deal
of tenderness; this youthful portrait is an intimist work full of
lyrical features. At a time when he had already adopted the
idiom of Expressionism, Gecan’s closeness with Anka gave
rise to this contemplative portrait in which the beauty of their
intimate communication can be sensed.
A contrast to the smoothness of the face is made by the surface, treated in much more mobile relief, of the hair and clothing of gentle Anka. The outline is simple, slow and soothing.
Gecan faithfully portrayed the subtle internal characteristics
of his darling wife. Her spiritual face expresses internal calm,
composure, goodness and affection.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
176846
URI
Publication date:
2.9.2016.
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