Karel Hlaváček, Artwork and Criticism

Karel Hlaváček (1874-1898) is well known as an impressive poet and one of the foremost representatives of symbolism and decadence in the circle around the magazine Moderní revue (Modern Revue). The art historian Otto M. Urban focuses mainly on Hlaváček’s own art and criticism, presenting its characteristic features and exceptionality and its position within the Czech and European contexts. He shows the depth of the level at which the author’s sensitive personality, his life, his art and his stylization all connect. The book contains an edition of Hlaváček’s critical texts dedicated primarily to fine art. As for illustrations, it covers almost the entire oeuvre including drawings, illustrations and book art. It revives self-portraits, spiritual landscapes and dream worlds of Karel Hlaváček, his “insatiable thirst for something new, better, delicate and subtle”.