Lot 148

Josef Šíma (1891 - 1971) UNTITLED

In the drawings from the late period of his career, Josef Šíma reaches the second peak of his artistic development. References to visible reality or specifically recognizable objects gradually disappear from them, and the artist delves into the very essence of being. He returns to primordial chaos—to a still unorganized, formless mass from which the first archetypal shapes and vague embryos of forms are born. A delicate, shimmering haze of light permeates the drawing, spreading across the entire surface of the paper. The drawing gives the impression that the work is formed from a volatile, vibrating energy that seems to circulate from the center of the composition. Like a nebula, the outlines of crystalline objects emerge from it, seemingly floating across the surface of the work. In the lower right corner is the signature and date: J. Šíma 59. Drawing is accompanied by a separate dedication: “To the gracious Mrs. Božková, respectfully yours, Šíma.”