Zlatarovo zlato

The action takes place in Zagreb and its surroundings at the end of the 16th century (1574–1579), during the reign of Emperor Max II and the bans Đuro Drašković and Krsto Ungnad. The novel has two parallel plots that intertwine: historical (the conflict between the citizens of Zagreb and the powerful nobleman Stjepko Gregorijanec over Medvedgrad and influence on the government) and love (the forbidden love between Pavle, the son of Stjepko Gregorijanec, and Dora Krupić, the daughter of the prominent goldsmith Petar Krupić). Class differences, intrigues, and revenge prevent the happiness of the young people. The key villains are the treacherous Grga Čokolin and the vengeful Klara Grubarova, while the positive figures include the faithful Jerko (Pavle's half-brother) and the brave Miloš Radak.

Šenoa masterfully depicts the life of old Zagreb: streets, customs, conflicts between the rising bourgeoisie and the declining nobility, with realistic details, romantic descriptions of love and adventurous elements (kidnappings, disguises, poisons). The work exudes patriotism and criticism of foreign influence, and is based on archival documents of the city of Zagreb. Dora symbolizes “goldsmith’s gold” – the purity, beauty and value of the bourgeois class. The tragic ending (Dora’s death from poison, Pavlo’s death) emphasizes the powerlessness of the individual in the face of social forces and revenge.

The 1943 edition (Book I. Collected Works) is equipped with illustrations/drawings by Andrija Maurović, the legendary father of Croatian comics and a master of illustration. Maurović did the cover and interior illustrations for this edition. His dynamic, expressive style fits perfectly with the romantic-historical tone of the novel – dramatic scenes, 16th-century costumes, Zagreb streets and characters gain a strong visual identity. This edition is prized among collectors precisely because of Maurović's equipment.