Lot 63

Karel Vítězslav Mašek (1865 - 1927) BIRCHES ON A BANK OF FROZEN STREAM

Karel Vítězslav Mašek experimented with various techniques and painted landscapes on thick plaster panels in the spirit of Art Nouveau decorativism and even Preissig-style coloration. Scagliola captivated him with its high gloss and the possibility of truly fine details, which corresponded to Mašek’s refined, salon-style, and decorative approach. After a brief period of study at the Prague Academy, Mašek transferred to the Academy in Munich and later, together with Alfons Mucha, to Paris. There he became acquainted with Post-Impressionism and Symbolism, which clearly manifested itself in his work after his return to Prague. He was active in many artistic fields, including architecture and urban planning. As a painter, he devoted himself primarily to figurative painting; he also created monumental decorations for buildings and theater curtains.

Published: Fabelová, K.: Karel Vítězslav Mašek, 2002. Eminent, p. 95.