Press article : "Mestrovic, the unknown sculptor" - Nice Matin

Ivan MESTROVIC 1883-1962 Attributed to
"Woman with the harp"

A work by this major sculptor of the XXth century soon goes to auction in Cannes

Rodin considered him as "the greatest sculptor of all time". A work attributed to Ivan Mestrovic (1883-1962) will be put on sale on August 15 by Besch Cannes Auction. Entitled "Woman with the harp", this important panel sculpted in high relief in a single block of wood is estimated between 25000€ and 30000€. A major sculptor in the history of art in the 20th century, Ivan Mestrovic remains an almost unknown figure in France. Student of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1901, this Croatian artist is first inspired by Michelangelo and the Renaissance. From 1908, he became Rodin’s pupil in Paris. 43 years separated the two men. Under the influence of the French master, Ivan Mestrovic developed a powerful style at the crossroads of various influences.

Like Rodin, the romantic artist likes to play with matter, volumes, shadows and lights, creating shapes in marble or wood. His feminine nudes reveal rounded, sensual, fleshy shapes. Rodin and Mestrovic will keep a brief correspondence for a while. With the First World War, Mestrovic turned to spiritual themes and gradually developed a more personal style. His works are therefore exhibited throughout the world, particularly in the United States and Europe.

The artist will also be a politician and writer. During the Second World War, he was imprisoned by the Croatian fascist regime Oustachi for refusing to cooperate. Exiled to the United States in 1947, religious themes marked the works of his end of life. Before he died, he donated 300 of his sculptures to the Croatian State.

"Woman with the harp" attributed to Ivan Mestrovic (1883-1962). Large panel sculpted in high relief in a single block of wood - 170 x 55 cm. Estimate: 25000€ - 30000 €