Záliv s majákem

BAY WITH A LIGHTHOUSE, 1935

ABOUT THE ARTIST – JAN ZRZAVÝ, THE POET OF CZECH MODERN ART Jan Zrzavý (1890–1977) ranks among the most important and distinctive figures of twentieth-century Czech modern painting. His work occupies a unique position between Symbolism, Modernism and an intensely personal, poetic vision of the world. Born in Okrouhlice in the Czech Highlands, he demonstrated exceptional artistic sensitivity from an early age. His development was influenced by both the Czech artistic environment and his experiences in France, particularly Paris, where he encountered European modern art and developed his unmistakable visual language. Zrzavý belonged to a generation that profoundly transformed Czech art. He was associated with the Sursum artistic group, whose members sought deeper spiritual, symbolic and emotional meaning in painting. His artistic language is distinguished by the extraordinary ability to simplify reality into pure, almost archetypal forms. Landscapes, harbours, boats, lighthouses and solitary buildings become vessels of silence, melancholy, memory and contemplation. The coastal landscapes of France, particularly Brittany, played an essential role in his artistic imagination. Its rocky bays, harbours and maritime horizons became some of his most enduring sources of inspiration. Rather than merely depicting a particular location, Zrzavý transformed landscape into an intimate poetic world in which reality merges with dreams, memories and imagination. His paintings are celebrated for their distinctive lyricism, exceptional compositional clarity and refined colour harmonies. Today, his works are highly sought after by collectors and hold an important place in prestigious public and private art collections. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK – BAY WITH A LIGHTHOUSE, 1935 This exceptionally charming tempera from 1935 captures a poetic coastal landscape in which masterful simplicity is combined with profound emotional resonance. The composition transports the viewer into a peaceful rocky bay. Calm water stretches between large, rounded boulders whose flowing contours resemble softly modelled sculptural forms. A slender white lighthouse rises above the rocky shoreline, standing gracefully against a delicate blue sky and forming the natural focal point of the composition. Within Zrzavý’s poetic universe, the lighthouse may be understood as more than an architectural feature. It evokes light, hope, guidance and the human longing for a safe harbour. Two small sailing boats float quietly on the water to the left. Their deep blue hulls introduce a striking colour accent while suggesting the subtle presence of human life. This is a particularly characteristic feature of Zrzavý’s art. He often evokes human presence without depicting a figure directly, allowing a boat, a house, a path or a distant light to tell the story instead. The treatment of the rocks is especially compelling. Rather than attempting geological realism, the artist transforms them into stylised, almost organic forms. Their rounded shapes, delicate linear details and restrained highlights establish a harmonious rhythm throughout the composition. The palette is exquisitely controlled. Muted silver-grey and brown tones contrast with the soft blues of the sea and sky, while the white lighthouse and dark blue boats provide carefully placed accents. The horizon remains still and serene. Rather than presenting the drama of the sea, Zrzavý captures its meditative and timeless character. The year 1935 belongs to a significant period of the artist’s mature work, characterised by confident composition, expressive stylisation and an extraordinary sensitivity to the poetry of landscape. The painting is presented in an elaborate gilded frame, whose decorative richness creates a beautiful contrast with the refined simplicity of the artwork. EXCEPTIONAL PROVENANCE – A PERSONAL DEDICATION BY JAN ZRZAVÝ One of the most remarkable features of this work is its personal historical story. The reverse bears a handwritten inscription identifying the artist, the title Bay with a Lighthouse, the tempera technique and the year 1935. Below these details is a personal dedication to Dr. Jan Pitter, head physician at the České Budějovice hospital, followed by the signature of Jan Zrzavý. This inscription gives the work a particularly intimate dimension. The painting is not merely an example of the artist’s creative achievement; it also preserves a connection between the painter and a specific individual. For collectors, such a personal dedication represents a compelling part of the painting’s history, adding an individual narrative to its artistic significance. The work comes from the Castle Collection and is accompanied by an expert opinion by PhDr. Michael Zachař, art historian. CURATOR’S TIP A painting that needs no grand gestures to leave a lasting impression. Jan Zrzavý possessed the rare ability to create a world of silence, melancholy and poetry through a handful of seemingly simple forms. Bay with a Lighthouse beautifully demonstrates this distinctive artistic gift. The combination of the solitary lighthouse, two delicate sailing boats and tranquil water enclosed by rounded rocks is particularly captivating. Each element occupies its precise place within a carefully balanced composition. The personal dedication on the reverse adds another compelling dimension. Such details allow collectors to appreciate not only the artist’s work but also the human story preserved within it. For admirers of Jan Zrzavý, Czech modernism and lyrical landscape painting, this is an exceptionally appealing collecting opportunity. FOR INVESTORS Starting price: CZK 350,000 Works by Jan Zrzavý occupy an important position within the Czech art market. His unmistakable artistic language, exceptional individuality and lasting significance in the history of Czech modern art continue to inspire strong collector interest. Bay with a Lighthouse, dated 1935, brings together several qualities particularly attractive to discerning collectors. Its subject is immediately recognisable as part of Zrzavý’s poetic world: the sea, rocky coastline, lighthouse and small sailing boats. The date places the work within an important period of the artist’s mature career. The personal dedication to Dr. Jan Pitter on the reverse adds an exceptional historical and human dimension, distinguishing the painting through its individual story. Its provenance from the Castle Collection and the accompanying expert opinion by PhDr. Michael Zachař further enhance the significance of the offering. With a starting price of CZK 350,000, this charming and personally dedicated work presents an attractive opportunity to acquire a distinctive painting by one of the most celebrated Czech artists of the twentieth century.