|
The multifaceted cultural landscape of Slovenia
was in many ways determined by its cross-roads
position: a series of historical artistic monuments
is located next to the Slovene border (including
the Basilica Eufrasiana in Poreč, Tempietto Longobardo
in Cividale/Čedad, Basilica of Aquileia/Oglej
and the Cathedral of Gurk/Krka) while the progressive
cultural centres of Venice, Vienna and Budapest
lie only a few hours away. Consequently, the artistic
works of the eastern region of the country were
influenced by South-German, Austrian, Czech and
Hungarian cultural circles, while the west of
this small space was under Friulian influences
(or accomplished by visiting Friulian artists)
or, in the coastal area, Venetian influences.
Religion is pervasive in early Slovene art. Preserved
works include Christian themed reliefs from the
pre-Romanesque period, illuminated manuscripts
from the artisan workshop in Stična dating from
the 12th century, Gothic sculptures and wall paintings.
Talented painters could be found in Slovenia as
early as the 12th and 13th centuries, but came
to prominence only after the Romantic period.
The first of the portrait painters and realists
of the 19th century to gain wide recognition were
Anton Ažbe (1862-1905) and Ivana Kobilica (1861-1926),
the first female painter to gain recognition.
The Impressionists from the first half of the
20th century, through which Slovene visual arts
became known in the world, include Ivan Grohar,
Matija Jama, Matija Sternen and Rihard Jakopič.
|
The
art of Slovenia: 
