The Cult of an Artist at the Turn of the Century - A. Rodin and M. Aleš by M. Švabinský

This work focuses on forms of presentation and self-presentation of two important artists living at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries - a Czech painter Mikuláš Aleš and a French sculptor Auguste Rodin. It can be described as the so called cult of both artists, which means a perception of artist as an outstanding genius. This type of thinking about artists and their work was widely spread in the 19th century. Mikoláš Aleš (1852-1913) is known for his individual artistic style which was based on the Czech romantism and folk art, his style also partly anticipates Czech Art Nouveau. Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was one of the most important French sculptors working at the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. He is considered to be a founder of modern sculpture. Many of his statues caused scandals which made him famous and well-known also among the Czech artists. Both artists were highly appreciated by young members of the Manes Association of Fine Artists. This Association was established in 1887, since 1897 the Volné směry journal were published. Mikoláš Aleš became the first elected president of this Association. Members of this Association were highly interested in modern trends in Czech and European art. It may be surprising that young members of the Manes Association were..