Max Svabinsky

Max �vabinsk� (Czech, 1873-1962), born in Kromer�, was a contemporary and close ally of T. Franti�ek �imon. Both studied at the Prague Academy of Fine Art under Max Pirner, benefiting from the graphics teaching of J. Mar�k and E. Karel. In 1910, while �imon was in Paris, Max �vabinsk� was appointed professor of graphic arts at the Prague Academy. I believe I am correct in saying that up until this time there had not been a dedicated graphic arts atelier at the Academy.

Max �vabinsk�, Grossmutter (Grandmother)
Etching, 1912

Although Max �vabinsk� was also a painter, he began to devote more and more time to graphics from around 1900. �vabinsk� is regarded as the founder of Czech modern art, introducing the influences of both Max Klinger and the German Symbolists, and �douard Manet and the French Impressionists.

Max �vabinsk�, Untitled (Woman preparing for bed)
Colour lithograph, 1912

As the lithograph above shows, Max �vabinsk� also absorbed the influence of Bonnard, Vuillard, and the Nabis. In 1917 Max �vabinsk� and Franti�ek �imon founded the exclusive Hollar Association of Czech Graphic Artists, whose founding members were mostly students or ex-students of �vabinsk��s.

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