Hlava se čtvercovým okem

Head with a Square Eye, 1989

Stanislav Libenský (1921–2002) and Jaroslava Brychtová (1924–2020) rank among the most important figures in the history of international studio glass. Their collaborative work fundamentally transformed the development of modern glass sculpture. Libenský studied at glassmaking schools in Nový Bor and Železný Brod before continuing his education at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, where he developed his painterly approach to glass. Brychtová studied sculpture and brought an exceptional understanding of three-dimensional form, space and monumental expression to their partnership. Beginning in the 1950s, their collaboration created a unique synthesis of painterly vision, sculptural form and the technological possibilities of glass. They achieved international recognition particularly through their monumental cast-glass sculptures and architectural installations, in which light became an integral part of the artistic composition. Their works have been presented at major international exhibitions and are represented in prestigious museum and private collections. Together, Libenský and Brychtová transformed glass from a traditional decorative material into an autonomous sculptural medium, using the interaction of mass, space, colour and light as their principal means of expression. Head with a Square Eye (1989) is a remarkable example of their mature artistic language, in which the human figure is transformed into a geometrically stylised symbol of perception, consciousness and inner vision. The composition is based on a monumentally conceived human head, whose essential volume has been reduced to a series of simple geometric forms. The rounded upper section contrasts with the distinctly rectangular lower part, creating tension between organic and architectural principles. The dominant element is the geometrically defined eye, which functions as a symbolic opening into the inner world of human consciousness. Its angular construction establishes the optical centre of the work and significantly influences the passage of light through the glass. The light-blue glass possesses remarkable chromatic depth. Depending on the viewing angle and intensity of illumination, its colour shifts from luminous turquoise to deeper, almost sapphire-blue tones. Transparent and matte surfaces complement one another, creating a subtle interplay of reflections, refractions and shadows. A significant part of the artistic effect arises from the contrast between precisely ground geometric planes and delicately sandblasted surfaces. These different finishes allow the artists to manipulate light much as a painter works with layers of colour or a sculptor with mass and space. The sculpture is simultaneously monumental and contemplative. Although measuring 50 cm in height, it possesses a powerful architectural presence and, under carefully directed lighting, becomes an almost luminous object. Created in 1989, the work belongs to an important period in the artists' collaboration, when they continued to explore motifs of the human head, geometric abstraction and the internal space of glass. Provenance and Documentation The sculpture originates from the extensive private St. Martin Collection, comprising significant works of Czech fine and glass art. In 1999, it was exhibited at the Černá růže Glass Gallery in Benešov nad Ploučnicí. The work bears the signatures of both artists, Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, and the date 1989. The sculpture does not carry an edition number, consistent with the marking practices of certain individually produced cast-glass sculptures by the artistic duo. Its exhibition history, provenance and artists' signatures form important parts of its collecting documentation. CURATOR'S TIP Some works of art reveal their true beauty only when touched by light. Head with a Square Eye is one of them. Libenský and Brychtová created a fascinating dialogue within the glass between what we see and what we can only sense. Their sculpture is not merely a representation of a human head. It is a meditation on perception, consciousness and the boundary between the external world and the inner human experience. The geometric opening deserves particular attention. As the lighting changes, it creates new optical relationships between the different parts of the composition. Every viewing angle offers a different intensity of colour, depth of space and luminous atmosphere. It is precisely this ever-changing quality that makes the sculpture endlessly engaging. For collectors, the combination of both artists' signatures, the date 1989, exhibition history from 1999 and provenance from the St. Martin Collection is particularly noteworthy. The work is a representative example of Czech studio glass, whose artistic achievement transcends traditional glassmaking craftsmanship and places it firmly within the context of international modern sculpture. FOR INVESTORS Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová are among the most internationally acclaimed figures in Czech glass art. Their works attract collectors of modern sculpture, studio glass and major museum institutions. From a collecting perspective, particularly important factors include characteristic artistic motifs, quality of execution, dimensions, colour, provenance, exhibition history and documented authenticity. The present Head with a Square Eye combines several noteworthy attributes: an iconic figurative motif, attractive light-blue glass, precise geometric execution, both artists' signatures, the date 1989 and a documented exhibition in 1999. Its striking composition and exceptional optical qualities make this sculpture an appealing collecting object for both domestic and international enthusiasts of Czech studio glass. With a starting price of CZK 290,000, the work offers an attractive entry point for collectors seeking a representative piece by one of the most important artistic partnerships in international glass art. The sculpture combines artistic originality, technical sophistication, exhibition history and the strong international reputations of both artists.