Hrvatsko slikarstvo XX. stoljeća, Svezak prvi

The first volume of Grgo Gamulin's monumental work Croatian Painting of the 20th Century covers the period from the turn of the 19th to the 20th century to the time between the two world wars. The author presents the emergence of modern Croatian painting through the work of painters such as Bela Čikoš Sesija, Miroslav Kraljević, Josip Račić, Vladimir Becić, Oskar Herman and Ljubo Babić, emphasizing their role in shaping national artistic identity. Gamulin analytically and interpretively connects artistic tendencies with the social, cultural and ideological circumstances of the era — from Art Nouveau and Symbolism to Expressionism and Realism. He particularly emphasizes the Zagreb School and the role of "Croatian Modernism" in the process of accepting European influences and creating a distinct national expression. The book is richly argued, supported by painterly analyses and critical insights, and the author's style combines scientific precision and deep aesthetic sensitivity. The first volume lays the foundation for understanding the entire development of Croatian modern painting.