Jan Matulka

American, 1890 - 1972

Explore selected works

The image shows a village or small town from a slightly elevated point of view. The horizon is implied by the tops of trees and rooftops. The style features a painterly brushstroke technique with an Impressionist influence. The color palette is warm, with earthy tones and lush greens dominating. The sky shows soft blues and whites. A curved path leads into the scene, bordered by a stone wall and various buildings with Mediterranean architectural features. In the background, tall cypress trees and leafy treetops add depth and texture to the composition.
Jan Matulka, The South of France [recto], c. 1930, watercolor, crayon and pencil on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.398.a

The South of France [recto]

Jan Matulka · c. 1930 · watercolor, crayon and pencil on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.398.a
The image is a sketch of a person seated, with their head resting on their right hand near the temple. The individual has closed eyes, a straight nose, and a slightly furrowed brow. The figure is nude, with strong, defined linework showcasing muscular features and shadows. The background is blank with some hatch marks near the head and shoulders.
Jan Matulka, Seated Male Nude [verso], c. 1930, black crayon on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.398.b

Seated Male Nude [verso]

Jan Matulka · c. 1930 · black crayon on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.398.b
The image shows a collection of geometric shapes and lines, featuring angular and curved forms. The shapes come together to depict objects such as a gramophone and a banjo. The background consists of patterned lines forming clouds and a crescent moon. The interplay of shadows and highlights creates depth and texture.
Jan Matulka, Phonograph and Guitar, c. 1928, lithograph in brown on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.48

Phonograph and Guitar

Jan Matulka · c. 1928 · lithograph in brown on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.48
The image displays a landscape view of a village surrounded by hills. In the distance, there is a range of dark hills or mountains beneath a dramatic sky. The style features bold brushstrokes emphasizing contrast and texture. The color palette is predominantly black and white. The village consists of geometric shapes representing buildings, with a round tower and striped rooftops. The sky shows swirling clouds, adding dynamism to the scene.
Jan Matulka, Avignon, c. 1925, lithograph in black on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.47

Avignon

Jan Matulka · c. 1925 · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.47
This is a drawing of boats on a river. The drawing shows several figures in and around small boats on a body of water surrounded by trees. The figures are engaged in activities suggesting movement or navigation, with some standing and others seated within the boats. The setting appears dynamic, with swirling patterns in the water and sky, providing a sense of action and energy. The contrast and shading techniques used in the drawing create depth and texture, adding to the intensity of the scene. The use of light and dark highlights the physical forms and gives a sculptural quality to the drawing.
Jan Matulka, Boat Scene in Central Park, c. 1925, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Florian Carr Fund and Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.216

Boat Scene in Central Park

Jan Matulka · c. 1925 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.216
The image shows a rural landscape from a high vantage point. The horizon gradually fades into the distance. Loose brushstrokes depict movement and liveliness. Various colored trees are spread across, with colorful buildings nestled among them. The sky is painted in soft blue and white tones.
Jan Matulka, Landscape with Footbridge, c. 1925, watercolor and black crayon on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.397

Landscape with Footbridge

Jan Matulka · c. 1925 · watercolor and black crayon on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.397