František Drtikol

Czech, 1883 - 1961

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The image shows a close-up view of two people, cropped to include their heads and shoulders. The person on the left is in a three-quarter view, facing slightly towards the center, while the person on the right is shown in profile facing to the left. The person on the left has distinct facial features with heavily outlined eyes and lips, and short, reddish hair with bangs. The person on the right has a side profile with a strong jawline and short, dark hair. Both figures appear to be unclothed from the shoulders up. The background features a blend of dark and reddish hues.
František Drtikol, Two Heads, 1932, pastel, Gift of the Anne and Jacques Baruch Collection in honor of Ronit and Albert Flesch, 2002.50.60

Two Heads

František Drtikol · 1932 · pastel ·  Accession ID  2002.50.60

The image shows three full-body figures of individuals positioned vertically with their arms raised above their heads. The figures have strong, outlined features with their faces turned to the side, showcasing broad, expressive facial features. The individuals are depicted without clothing, revealing fluid and lean physiques. They have short, textured hairstyles adding to the dynamic appearance of the scene. The figures are drawn in a sketchy, monochromatic style, using dark shading for definition. The background is simple and composed of a gradient from dark to light, enhancing contrast and bringing focus to the figures in the foreground.
František Drtikol, Four Nudes, 1931, charcoal, Gift of the Anne and Jacques Baruch Collection, 2002.50.46

Four Nudes

František Drtikol · 1931 · charcoal ·  Accession ID  2002.50.46

The image shows a collection of dynamic, angular shapes with overlapping lines and shaded areas creating movement. It presents an abstract composition hinting at the outlines of three human figures, with suggestions of heads and shoulders formed by bold strokes and triangular patterns. The forms appear to be in motion, reminiscent of dancers or figures caught in dynamic action. Shadows and light contrast enrich the composition, adding depth and complexity to the abstract scene.
František Drtikol, Three Nudes, 1930, charcoal, Gift of the Anne and Jacques Baruch Collection, 2002.50.59

Three Nudes

František Drtikol · 1930 · charcoal ·  Accession ID  2002.50.59

The image shows a person kneeling on one knee with the other leg bent forward. Their upper body is arched backward, and their face is tilted slightly upwards. The person has short, dark hair. They are unclothed, and their skin and figure are highlighted in grayscale with soft shading. In one hand, they hold a small, round object. The background is a plain, light canvas without details. The image is signed by the artist in the lower right corner, with the year 1927 noted.
František Drtikol, Kneeling Nude, 1927, black and white pastel, Gift of the Anne and Jacques Baruch Collection, 2002.50.48

Kneeling Nude

František Drtikol · 1927 · black and white pastel ·  Accession ID  2002.50.48

The black and white photograph features two nude women. One woman is seated on the left side of the image, positioned on a geometric structure with her knees raised to her chest and arms wrapped around her legs. She has short, dark hair and her face is turned slightly to the side. The other woman is standing on the right side, holding a rope in her hands and resting one leg on the structure. She has short, light-colored hair that partially covers her face as she looks downward. Two hoops are placed against the geometric figure. The background is a simple, empty wall.
František Drtikol, Two Nudes, c. 1929, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Brenda and Robert Edelson Collection), 2015.19.4586

Two Nudes

František Drtikol · c. 1929 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4586

The image shows a person lying in a reclining pose on a textured surface. The person's body is turned, with one arm stretched upward behind their head and the other extended to the side. The person appears unclothed, and their face and hair are not detailed. The background features a pattern of large, stylized flowers or foliage and a dark color palette.
František Drtikol, Nude Reclining beneath Flowers, c. 1923, aquatint on cream paper, Gift of the Anne and Jacques Baruch Collection, 2002.50.50

Nude Reclining beneath Flowers

František Drtikol · c. 1923 · aquatint on cream paper ·  Accession ID  2002.50.50

This is a painting of a reclining nude with a hill and figures in the background. The image features a figure lying horizontally on a ledge or platform at the bottom of the composition. A dark hill is in the background, topped with diminutive, indistinct figures or objects. The overall tone is muted, with a sepia-like palette giving the image a timeless quality. The atmosphere is contemplative and somewhat melancholic, blending human form and landscape. This is in the style of William Mortensen, known for his pictorialist approach and interest in allegorical and symbolic themes.
František Drtikol, Reclining Nude, 1923, mezzotint, Gift of the Anne and Jacques Baruch Collection, 2002.50.56

Reclining Nude

František Drtikol · 1923 · mezzotint ·  Accession ID  2002.50.56

František Drtikol, Untitled, c. 1928, photogravure on copper plate, Gift of Manfred Heiting, Los Angeles, 2025.100.138

Untitled

František Drtikol · c. 1928 · photogravure on copper plate ·  Accession ID  2025.100.138

This is a drawing of an abstract representation of a crucifixion scene. The image features a central figure on a cross, surrounded by multiple contorted, nude figures in various poses. Shadows and highlights are used to create depth and texture. The detailed strokes and intricate linework enhance the expressiveness of the scene.
František Drtikol, Symbolic Crucifixion, 1922, lithograph, Gift of the Anne and Jacques Baruch Collection, 2002.50.58

Symbolic Crucifixion

František Drtikol · 1922 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2002.50.58

František Drtikol, Nude, c. 1926, gelatin silver print, Gift of Manfred Heiting, Los Angeles, 2025.100.132

Nude

František Drtikol · c. 1926 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2025.100.132

Bibliography

1991

  • The Other Side of Frantisek Drtikol exh. cat. Jacques Baruch Gallery, Chicago, 1991.