Adriatic landscapes of Vlaho Bukovac is the name of the lecture that was held by the young art historian Sofija Merenik at the House Bukovac, on September 22, 2022. Her convenient stay in Cavtat is related to the multi-year research on Vlaho Bukovac which is also the subject of her doctoral studies at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, under the mentorship of prof. Simona Čupić and prof. Igor Borozan. The latter one is an excellent connoisseur of Bukovac’s oeuvre. As a part of her research that she is conducting at the House Bukovac, Merenik presented her work, through the presentation she prepared for the symposium Vlaho Bukovac, the artist, and his work. The symposium was held in the Klović dvori gallery in Zagreb, as a part of commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Vlaho Bukovac.

In front of the Cavtat audience, Merenik presented Bukovac’s various painting adventures in the context of European painting. From his earliest childhood works to free landscapes in which he expressed himself more freely, in the spirit of impressionism. Since Bukovac is known for his portraits and large compositions, the discussion of his landscapes opens up some new values and perspectives of his work. His obsession with light in all its manifestations and painterly interventions, foremost precisely came to life in his landscape motifs. Merenik concluded her presentation with Bukovac’s quote about light.

This lecture is one more in a series of presentations held every Thursday at the House Bukovac. Yet another reminder of the painter’s rich legacy. But also, a reminder of the great interest from various other countries that the ever-current Bukovac brings together.