City of Split Heritage Journal, No. 36, 2010.
Professional paper
EMANUEL VIDOVIĆ’ S CARICATURES
Abstract
In order to demonstrate the immense creative potential of the famous Split born painter, Emanuel Vidović, a series of his caricatures is presented in this paper. The caricatures which
make a valuable addition to his creative work were published in a satirical publication known as Duje Balavac. His caricatures were presented in the books on the Croatian art of caricature, by Dubravko
Horvatić and Frano Dulibić. Some of them were even exhibited at the Split Art Gallery and the Emanuel Vidović Gallery. And yet, many people are ignorant of his brilliant caricatures. The immense individual complexity of the artist is usually reflected in his creations.
Emanuel Vidović’s caricatures also demonstrate a high level of social awareness. In other words, the famous artist was not only creative in the peaceful atmosphere of his atelier, but he creatively participated in the socio-cultural life of the city, as well.
In co-operation with the two painters, who were also his friends – Ante Katunarić and Vergil Meneghello-Dinčić, Emanuel Vidović initiated Duje Balavac, a satirical publication in which local authorities were both criticised and ridiculed. This paper addresses only the caricatures published in Duje Balavac, in the period 1908-1912. In this period, 51 portrait caricatures were published. They featured the distinguished male citizens of Split: politicians, lawyers, judges, priests and fellow artists. Emanuel Vidović is considered as the pioneer of the Split circle of caricaturists. He also became, at the time, a role model of the city caricaturists. This great painter signed his caricatures as Rode. It was customary, at the time, to sign
caricatures with a pseudonym.
The graphic value of Vidović’s one-dimensional caricatures is indisputable. In this specific artistic field, Vidović demonstrated his unique artistic expression and proved, once again, his excellence in drawing.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
65576
URI
Publication date:
27.12.2010.
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