Petr Wittlich Books

The English version of the major book from Petr Wittlich, which charts the crisis and development of Czech monumental sculpture at the turn of the 19th/20th century and explores the new decorative style associated with the movement known as Secession or Art Nouveau. The author presents and defines the individual and common features of the work of F. Bílek, S. Suchard, L. Šaloun, Q. Kocian, J. Maratka, B. Kafka and J. Štursa. The author focuses on their creative, as well as individual contributions, and he also appreciates their common tendency towards being human, i.e. humans placed within the universal myth of his origins and mission. The book is abundantly illustrated and is designed for the general reader as well as the specialist.

Focusing on the art nouveau movement, this book offers a detailed exploration of Prague's architectural gems, highlighting lesser-known sites alongside popular landmarks. Petr Wittlich, a leading expert in the field, provides insightful commentary on notable locations such as the Municipal House and Grand Hotel Europa, complemented by over one hundred color illustrations. An introductory essay contextualizes art nouveau within modern European art, while a bibliography suggests further reading, making this an essential guide for art enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The book delves into the vibrant Czech art scene of the late 19th century, highlighting Prague's role as a cultural hub alongside Berlin and Vienna. It examines the Czech Secessionist movement through three main stylistic schools: naturalistic-impressionistic, symbolist, and ornamental-decorative. These styles, while distinct, interact to enrich the understanding of the era's art, challenging conventional views of Art Nouveau. With over three hundred color plates, it celebrates the innovative spirit and artistic achievements of this often-overlooked period in Czech history.

Monografická publikace představuje reprezentativní výběr z díla klíčové postavy české secese a představitele osobité linie moderní malby.

Kniha je věnovaná norskému malíři a grafikovi E. Munchovi (1863-1944), jehož dílo ovlivnilo na přelomu 19. a 20. stol. evropskou výtvarnou kulturu.

Dealing with not only specific artists in the context of their national identity, but also with overarching themes in the rise of modernism, Czech Modern Painters is an articulate and well-researched overview of modern art styles of the former Czechoslovakia, focusing on impressionism, art nouveau, and cubism. This study covers three generations of artists who changed the landscape of traditional art at the turn of the twentieth century, and looks specifically at how these artists pushed the boundaries of and came into conflict with the work of their predecessors. To do so, Petr Wittlich has combed through each artist's work in art school, galleries, and new art journals, while tracking each individual's personal style. On the basis of carefully selected art works (over 100 colour reproductions and 35 additional illustrations), the author explains the aesthetic theory of each movement and provides biographical information on the leading personalities of the period and brief, incisive captions for each reproduction. Wittlich also investigates the profound influence of capitalism, and the way in which these artists departed from the prevailing aesthetic tastes of their contemporaries.