Václav Brožík / 1851–1901

Václav Brožík was a leading representative of the so-called National Theatre generation. After successfully establishing himself in Paris as a painter of portraits, history painting, and rural scenes, he returned to Prague in 1893 in order to accept a position as professor of figure painting at the local academy. Brožík produced a truly expansive body of work characterized by a perfect mastery of technique and stylistic excellence. Many works from his prime period made their way into European and American collections, and they are some of the most sought-after items on the Czech art market today. It is precisely these works – a large number of which are making their first visit to Bohemia after more than a hundred years – that we wish to show to the general public. Many of them were previously known only from the catalogue of the famous Wanamaker collection in the United States (1902) or from period magazines such as Světozor and Zlatá Praha. Thanks to their current owners, who have kindly provided them on loan, we now have a unique chance to see these painting in their country of origin. It is a great opportunity for the broader art-going public, and for expanding our knowledge of this outstanding artist.

Exhibition curator: Šárka Leubnerová