After nearly twenty years, an exhibition of works by Jan Zrzavý (1890–1977) returns to Telč. From the 1980s until 2007, the National Gallery exhibited around forty of Zrzavý's works at the castle. This new permanent exhibition aims to present the work of one of the most popular Czech modern artists in a contemporary format.
The exhibition will showcase Jan Zrzavý's creations through several interconnected chapters. The collection moves from his early self-portraits, known for their self-stylisation, through his involvement with the Sursum group, biblical and religious motifs, to the strong influence of Leonardo da Vinci. It will also present his landscape work, where motifs from Vysočina blend uniquely with the landscapes of Brittany, a region that played a significant role for Zrzavý. Special emphasis will be placed on the landscapes of the Vysočina region, which is inextricably linked to the name of Jan Zrzavý.
The exhibition will conclude with the theme of Cleopatra, which Zrzavý worked on for fifty years and which represents an intense summation of his artistic efforts. A highlight of the exhibition will be the presentation of the “Portrait of Miss Tydlitatová”. This painting was originally loaned to the National Gallery in Prague from a private collection. It now belongs to the gallery's collection, as it was recently purchased by the institution. Since its creation, it has remained in the possession of the portrayed's family, making this the first public display of a beautiful example of Zrzavý's portrait work, which he only briefly explored. The personal story of the portrayed is interesting not only due to her family's cultural ties to the “mad silkman” Zika Ascher, but also because of her connection to Telč.
Curator: Alice Němcová, Collection of Modern Art, NGP
