Branislav Dešković facts for kids

Branislav Dešković (born 1883, died 1939) was a famous Croatian sculptor. He was especially known for his amazing sculptures of animals, like hunting dogs. Many people consider him the first Impressionist sculptor in Croatia. This means his art focused on capturing a moment or feeling, rather than perfect detail.

A Sculptor's Life

Branislav Dešković was born on March 11, 1883, in a place called Pučišća on the island of Brač in Croatia. He learned his art skills in big cities like Venice, Vienna, and Paris. In Paris, he often showed his sculptures at a famous art show called the Salon.

In 1908, an art magazine called The Studio wrote about his work. They said his animal sculptures were excellent, especially his pieces "The Draught Horse," "The Ass," and "The Dog." They also mentioned "Two Old Ones" as one of his best works, which was shown in Paris and received much praise.

Dešković loved hunting, and this passion showed in his art. He became very well-known for his animal sculptures, especially his detailed hunting dogs. In 1910, he spent time in Sarajevo, where he found inspiration in the local people. This led him to create sculptures like "Two Elders" and "Bust of a Turk."

He showed his art with a group called the Medulić group in different cities. These included Split in 1908, Ljubljana in 1909, and Zagreb in 1910. He had his very first solo art show in Sarajevo in 1910.

During the First World War, he volunteered in Montenegro. Later, he spent time in Rome, Geneva, and Paris. From 1921, he lived in Split.

Today, an art gallery in Bol, on the island of Brač, is named after him. It's called the Galerija umjetnina "Branislav Dešković," and you can see many of his artworks there.

Branislav Dešković passed away in Zagreb on August 20, 1939.

His Artistic Style

Even though his hometown of Pučišća was famous for stone carving, Dešković often chose to work with bronze. He also used stone and clay for his sculptures. He is seen as the first Impressionist sculptor from Croatia.

Dešković is most famous for his animal sculptures. Because he was a keen hunter when he was younger, he could remember how the animals looked and moved. He used this memory to create expressive sculptures of hounds in an Impressionist style.

He also made some great portraits of people. Sometimes, he created large, heroic sculptures. For example, he made "Prince Marko" (Kraljević Marko) and "Victory of Freedom" (Pobjeda slobode). These sculptures showed his strong feelings about certain ideas. Sadly, his career was cut short because he became ill, so he didn't create a huge number of works.

Famous Works

Here are some examples of Branislav Dešković's sculptures:

• Two Old Men/Two Elders (Dva starca)
• Draught Horse (Tegleći konj)
• Rest (Odmor)
• Scratching Dog (Pas koji se češe)
• Bust of a Turk (Poprsje Turčina)
• Prince Marko (Kraljević Marko)
• Victory of Freedom (Pobjeda slobode)

Exhibitions

During his lifetime, Branislav Dešković showed his art in Split, Zagreb, and Ljubljana.

Solo Exhibitions

Here are some recent art shows that featured only his work:

• 2011 Galerija Antun Augustinčić, Klanjec
• 1983 Gallery of Fine Arts, Split
• 1966 Gallery of Fine Arts, Split

Public Collections

You can find his sculptures in these public art collections:

Croatia

• Gliptoteka, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb
• Gallery of Fine Arts, Split
• Art Gallery Branislav Dešković (Galerija umjetnina Branislav Dešković), Bol, island of Brač, Croatia

US

• Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC