Ivan Meštrović

Known as one of the most important historical figures in Croatia, Ivan Meštrović was a writer, architect, and sculptor from Croatia. He was the most well-known contemporary Croatian sculptor and a key figure in Zagreb's art scene. He attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he was influenced by the Secession, as well as Pavle Bilinić's Stone Workshop in Split, where he studied. While on his travels through Europe, he studied the sculptures by French artists Auguste Rodin, Antoine Bourdelle, and Aristide Maillol as well as the ancient and Renaissance masterpieces, particularly Michelangelo. He resided and produced art in a number of important European cities, including Rome, Paris, London, and Geneva.

Meštrović produced works with a significant emphasis on aesthetics for construction-sculptural monuments and projects, many of which featured a primary design. His well-known works of art include:

• The Bowman and The Spearman (also known as Equestrian Indians), Chicago, USA
• The Monument to the Unknown Hero, Belgrade, Serbia
• Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski) at the Church of the Holy Cross, Nin, Croatia
• Gregorius of Nin, at the Golden gate entrance to the Diocletian Palace, Split, Croatia
• Croatian History, Zagreb, Croatia
• The Winner, Belgrade, Serbia
• Visit The Meštrović Gallery in Split at Šetalište Ivan Meštrović or The Meštrović Atelier in Zagreb placed in Upper Town and explore his magnificent artworks.