Lot 78

Bohumil Kafka (1878 - 1942) WOMAN LIFTING HER ROBE AFTER A BATH

The experiences Kafka gained during his summer stay in the seaside town of Omnival with his colleague Karel Špillar and Špillar’s wife gave rise to an Impressionist series, which he followed up in 1906 with the sculpture *Woman Lifting Her Robe After a Bath*. Kafka exhibited this sculpture at the 7th International Art Exhibition in Venice. In a modest studio on Avenue d’Orléans in Paris (1905–1908), a large series of intimate sculptures of various themes was created during a period of feverish work; these works became Kafka’s signature pieces and, even from today’s perspective, rank among his most modern creations. The artist’s internationally comparable artistic level is demonstrated by his pre-war works, now on permanent display at the National Gallery in the Trade Fair Palace. Prof. PhDr. Petr Wittlich, CSc., characterizes his work with the following words: “In Kafka’s works, there is a chill of life, the expressiveness of silhouettes, a mastery of ornamentation, and a fervent, somewhat dark imagination, moderation, and elegance of spirit.” The work on offer comes from the artist’s estate at the famous Kafka Villa in Prague 6 – Ořechovka. Published as a full-page illustration in: Kafka, Bohumil and Wittlich, Petr. Bohumil Kafka: (1878–1942): The Story of a Sculptor. Prague: Karolinum, 2014, p. 76.