Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Gojmir Anton Kos Biography
Gojmir Anton Kos, born on January 24, 1896, in Gorizia (then part of Austria-Hungary, now in Italy), was a distinguished Slovene painter, photographer, and academic. His father, Franc Kos, a renowned historian from the vicinity of Škofja Loka in Carniola, taught at the State Gymnasium in Gorizia, while his mother hailed from a Friulian background in the Austrian Littoral. Gojmir's familial environment was intellectually stimulating, with his older brother Milko also emerging as a prominent historian and serving as the chancellor of the University of Ljubljana.
Kos's artistic journey began at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he studied under the tutelage of Rudolf Bacher and Julius Schmidt. The collapse of Austria-Hungary during his academic tenure led him to complete his final semester at the College of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb, graduating in 1919. This period also saw him qualifying as a professor of drawing, a skill that would later define his career.
In 1924, Kos relocated to Ljubljana, initially taking up teaching positions at secondary schools. His career took a significant turn after World War II when he was appointed a full professor of drawing at the newly established Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana, a position he held until his retirement in 1962. His contributions to the academic world were further recognized when he directed the Museum of Modern Art in Ljubljana from 1948 to 1949.
Kos's artistic oeuvre is vast and varied, encompassing landscapes, portraits, monumental scenes from Slovene history, figurative compositions, and still lifes. His works, which were mainly executed in oil on canvas, are characterized by their emphasis on light contrasts and color, often prioritizing these elements over the reality of the images. This approach allowed him to explore and express his artistic vision in a unique manner, distinguishing his work in the realms of Art Nouveau, Expressionism, Color realism, and Poetic realism.
Among his notable works are "Girl with an Accordion" and "Self-Portrait," both of which earned him the prestigious Prešeren Award in 1947 and 1950, respectively. His contributions to Slovene art were further acknowledged when he became a member of the Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts on December 6, 1949. Kos also had the honor of exhibiting at the Venice Biennale in 1950, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
Beyond painting, Kos was an avid photographer and played a pivotal role in organizing the first photography exhibition in Ljubljana. His interest in photography not only complemented his painting but also offered a different medium through which he could explore and capture the world around him. This dual engagement with painting and photography positioned Kos as a significant figure in the dialogue between these two forms of artistic expression.
Kos's legacy is preserved in the collections of the Slovenian Presidential Palace, where his monumental compositions from Slovene history are exhibited, highlighting his contribution to the national cultural heritage. His works are also part of the collections in the National Gallery of Slovenia and have been featured in various exhibitions and auctions, attesting to his enduring influence and relevance in the art world.
Gojmir Anton Kos passed away on May 22, 1970, in Ljubljana, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and influence both artists and art enthusiasts. His dedication to his craft, innovative approach to painting and photography, and significant contributions to art education have cemented his place as one of Slovenia's most revered artists. Through his works, Kos not only captured the essence of his time but also contributed to the broader narrative of Slovene and European art, making him a pivotal figure in the art history of the region.
Gojmir Anton Kos Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
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