Menci Klement Crnčić

Menci Klement Crnčić (1865 – 1930), an outstanding representative of Croatian realism, studied in both Vienna and in Munich. His father, an army officer wanted his son to pursue military career, but Crnčić left Military Academy at the age of 17 in order to study art. After spending four semesters at Vienna Academy (1882-84), he left Austria’s capital for Munich. However, due to the lack of funds, he soon returned to Croatia. After acquiring a grant from the state, Crnčić enrolled Munich Academy, studying painting under prof. Nikolaus Gysis (1889-1892).

Izidor Kršnjavi, a painter, art historian and politician, (who, at the time served as a Minister of Education) was so impressed with the drawings of young artist, that he secured another grant, and sent Crnčić in 1894 to Vienna to study engraving under famous engraver Wiliam Unger.

In 1903, along with his friend Bela Čikoš Sesija, Crnčić opens private School of Painting, the core of the future Zagreb Academy of Fine Arts, established five years later. He taught there for 23 years.

Crnčić was very fond of the sea and his marines and coastal views were at the time unsurpassed. However, within his body of work engravings were more important than paintings. He was both a master draftsman and an educated engraver who has always kept a high level of professionalism and expertise.

A Girl (1890) and Violinist Louis Frappart (click for enlargements)

Engraving of an gentleman (I forgot his name, it was taken three weeks ago at the exhibition, therefore the glare)

…and Fishermen