Procházka Jaro (1886–1949)

A Square in Paris, turn of the 1920s-1930s

oil, canvas, frame
100 x 65 cm
sign. LD Jaro Procházka Paříž, na rubu výstavní razítko Svaz výtvarných umělců 1934

valuation price 300 000–400 000 CZK. The painting was authenticated by PhDr. Michael Zachař. J. Procházka is known for his paintings capturing urban scenes and is often referred to as a portraitist of cities. Frequent themes of his work are various Prague back alleys, depicting mainly Vyšehrad, Charles bridge, Malá Strana, etc. Paintings with Prague motifs can be encountered most often on the Czech art market. The painting A Square in Paris from the turn of the ’20s/’30s belongs to a set of pictures of European cities, for which the artist received, in 1931, the Annual Prize of the Academy of Fine Art and Science. In terms of the subject matter and visual rendering, in which the artist masterfully depicted the mood and illumination of the scene through colours, it is a rarity. J. Procházka studied at the Prague College of Applied Arts under professor Jakesch (1900–1904), and then went on to the Academy of Fine Arts, where his studies were interrupted by World War One. He was a member of the Fine Artists’ Union in Prague.