Lot 427: Zvonimir Mihanovic O/C Photorealist Mediterranean Painting

Zvonimir Mihanovic (Croatia, b. 1946) oil on canvas hyperrealist or photorealist painting, titled “Alone.” A fisherman sits in a small boat and watches a line that he holds in his right hand. A red umbrella casts shade over the man’s face and reflects on the calm surface of the water, likely off Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast in the Adriatic Sea. Inscribed, possibly signed, “Mihanovic” to back of frame. Titled and inscribed “[copyright] BY ARTIST” to stretcher. Housed in a giltwood frame with tan textile liner. Sight: 38 1/2 in. H x 3 1/2 in. W. Framed: 45 in. H x 45 in. W. 1986. Biographical Note: “Zvonimir Mihanovic was born on August 12, 1946 in the village of Sitno Donje in Poljica near Split, Croatia. After completing his elementary and high school education in Split, Croatia Mihanovic went to Paris in 1971 to study at the L’Ecole des beaux-arts in the studio of French painter Zavaro. In order to learn the craft of classical painting, he explored museums and galleries in Western Europe and the United States and perfected his skill by making sanctioned copies of paintings by the old masters. Mihanovic gained recognition in the art world in 1978 when one of his paintings was shown at the Salon d’automne in the Grand Palais in Paris in a jurored show of European artists. This painting won the ‘Best of Show’ honor for the ‘realism’ division of the show. It was here that major art dealers recognized his work and introduced him to the international art scene. Major galleries in the United States began promoting his art and organizing exhibitions, including galleries in New York, Palm Beach, Aspen and Scottsdale.” (Source: mihanovic.com)

PROVENANCE: Deaccessioned by the Hunter Museum of American Art.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition, with uneven discoloration to varnish throughout.