Emanuel Božidar Vidović

Place: Split

Born: 1870

Death: 1953

Biography:

Emanuel Božidar Vidović was a Croatian painter and graphic artist from Split, born on December 24, 1870. He played a significant role in introducing modern art ideas to Split. From 1900, he was an active member of the Literary-Art Club, and in 1907, together with Ivan Meštrović, he founded the Medulić Society. Although he trained at the Academy of Arts in Venice, he never completed his formal studies.

Early Life and Career

Vidović was born in a stone cottage in the Veli Varoš area of Split. After elementary school, he attended the Imperial Royal High School in Split, where he studied drawing with architect and painter Emil Vecchietti. In 1887, Vidović enrolled as a student of sculpture at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Venice. He transferred to the painting department but was dissatisfied with the conservatism of the teaching and gave up his formal studies in 1890.

Artistic Style and Influences

Vidović's early work contained literary allusions to South Slavic history and legends, in an Art Nouveau style. Later, his work became darker, with brighter accents, and expressionist style black outlines around forms. His landscapes, especially his later interiors of churches around Split and Trogir, were well received by critics and the public. For more information on Vidović's artwork, visit Emanuel Božidar Vidović on Wikioo.org.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Some of Vidović's notable works include:

• Painting by 'Ivan Meštrović' | Ivan Meštrović:Marko Marulic (Bronze,), which can be found on Wikioo.org.
• Painting by 'Max Ernst' | Max Ernst:Eve, the Only One Left to Us (50 x 35 cm,Surrealism,Oil,), which showcases Ernst's innovative approach to art.
• The Garden of France by Max Ernst, a surrealist painting that blends fantasy and reality.

Awards and Legacy

Vidović was elected a corresponding member of the Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts in 1949. He exhibited his work at solo and group shows within Croatia and abroad. For many years, he was Professor of Drawing at the High School and at the School of Crafts in Split. In 1986, the Emanuel Vidović Gallery was opened in Split, featuring the life and works of the artist. More information on Emanuel Vidović can be found on Wikipedia. For a deeper understanding of his artwork and to explore more of his paintings, visit Galería Municipal Hugh Lane de Arte Moderno on Wikioo.org.