Oton Iveković
Paklenica Valley on Velebit, 1912
oil on canvas
172.5x 109.8 cm
MG-381

Oton Iveković (1869 – 1939) initially studied painting in Zagreb with Ferdo Quiquerez, before moving to Vienna in 1886 to study under Christian Griepenkerl and August Eisenmenger. He then continued his education in Munich with Wilhelm von Lindenschmit and in Karlsruhe under Ferdinand von Keller. Iveković worked as a drawing teacher at the Realgymnasium in Zagreb, before taking a position at the School of Crafts in 1895, and later at the School of Arts (later the Academy) from 1908 onwards. In the same year, he was elected president of the Lada art association. He travelled extensively across Croatia, Italy, Germany, and America, and during World War I, he served as a military painter. Alongside Menci Clement Crnčić, he is regarded as one of the foremost figures in historical painting in Croatia, particularly works inspired by national themes. In his later years, he withdrew to Veliki Tabor in Hrvatsko Zagorje.
The vertical format of the painting Paklenica Valley on Velebit enhances the impression of a rocky gorge, through which a group of figures moves in the valley: at the forefront, two riders in more ornate clothing are mounted on horses, followed at a short distance by infantry soldiers in grey medieval armour, which merge with the hues of the surrounding rocks. The vegetation is sparse, reinforcing the sense of military and wartime harshness. This is further heightened by the prevailing grey tones of the bare stone, which are reflected in the grey-blue hues of the sky. The scene is painted in clear daylight, establishing an atmosphere of a cold, frosty light.

Text: Ivana Rončević Elezović PhD, museum consultant of the National Museum of Modern Art © National Museum of Modern Art, Zagreb
Translated by: Robertina Tomić
Photo: Goran Vranić © National Museum of Modern Art, Zagreb