
Vatra i opekline: Ružena, Ruža i Klara
An intimate autobiographical work by the famous Croatian sculptor. Through the story of three women — Ružena Kvoščinska, Ruža Klein, and Marija Račić Banac — Meštrović explores the complex relationships that shaped his life and artistic creation.
Ružena Kvoščinska, the wife of a Russian diplomat, is presented as a passionate and enigmatic figure who brings unrest and inspiration to Meštrović’s life. Ruža Klein, his wife, symbolizes stability and support, while Marija Račić Banac, known for Meštrović’s masterpiece — the Račić family mausoleum in Cavtat — embodies spiritual connection and artistic muse.
The novel is structured as an introspective confession, where Meštrović not only describes his love affairs, but also considers his own inner struggles, doubts, and passions. Through reflections on love, art, and identity, the author provides insight into the emotional landscape that accompanied his career and personal life.
Fire and Burns is not only a chronicle of love affairs, but also a meditation on the role of artists in society, on the relationship between creativity and intimacy, and on the lasting marks that love leaves on the soul. With this work, Meštrović rounds out his literary legacy, adding a literary dimension to his already rich artistic oeuvre.
One copy is available