Prague was the world's most important centre for cubist art outside Paris in the years preceding World War I, and Otto Gutfreund (1889?1927) was the first artist to apply cubism to sculpture. He now enjoys the reputation as one of the most internationally important figures in the history of Czech art. Jirí ?etlík's acclaimed account of Gutfreund's life and work is now available in English for the first time. Richly illustrated, this is a sumptuous treatment of a uniquely significant artist. AUTHOR: Jirí ?etlík is acknowledged as the world's leading authority on Otto Gutfreund. Dr ?etlík was born in Prague in 1929 and was educated at Charles University and the Institute of History of Art of the Czechoslovak Academy of Science, and later at the Institute of International Education in the United States. His posts have included Head of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art at the National Gallery in Prague, Director of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, Vice-Rector and Professor at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, and Professor of the History of Architecture and Arts at the Technical University of Liberec. SELLING POINTS: . The definitive account of the life and work of a hugely important artist . The Czech contribution to cubism is one of the broadest and most compelling facets of the movement . Brings together artworks from several of the Czech Republic's most prominent collections, including the National Gallery and the Museum Kampa . The perfect companion to Scala's recent title on Czech Cubism at the Gallery of West Bohemia, as well as the Director's Choice volumes for this Gallery and the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague . Available in English for the first time
