Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Cismon

Name Class Date

đoko mazalić, Cismon (1917), National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist
đoko mazalić artsdot.com/en/artists/doko-mazalic/
Artist’s dates
1888 – 1975
Painted
1917
Medium
Acrylic On Canvas
Original size
40 x 40 cm
Movement
Landscape Painting
Held at
National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina artsdot.com/en/museums/national-gallery-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina-sarajevo/
Artistic style
Landscape
Notable elements
Mountains, trees
Subject or theme
Nature scene

In context

Cismon — đoko mazalić

How big is it?

The original measures 40 × 40 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1880
  2. 1890
  3. 1900
  4. 1910
  5. 1920
  6. 1930
  7. 1940
  8. 1950
  9. 1960
  10. 1970

Shaded: the lifetime of đoko mazalić (1888–1975) ▲ this work, 1917

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/doko-mazalic-cismon-D7SAKU-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Espresso #525d4b

    Catalogued palette

    • #525D4B
    • #A1A79C
    • #8A937B
    • #5E7A7E
    Main colour name
    Espresso
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    Cismon — đoko mazalić

    Đoko Mažalić’s “Cismon”: A Serene Vision of Bosnian Landscape

    Cismon,” painted in 1917 by the esteemed Bosnian artist Đoko Mažalić, offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Measuring 40 x 40 cm, this landscape transcends mere representation; it’s an imbued expression of the region's natural beauty and a testament to Mažalić’s burgeoning artistic voice. The painting depicts a tranquil scene dominated by a majestic mountain range, its peaks rendered in a delicate blue hue that evokes both serenity and a sense of awe. Scattered throughout this vast expanse are trees – carefully placed to create depth and dimension – anchoring the viewer's gaze within the composition. Two figures, subtly integrated into the landscape near the center and on the right side, add an element of human scale and invite contemplation about our place within nature’s grandeur.

    A Painter Forged in Budapest and Rooted in Bosnia

    Đoko Mažalić's artistic journey is intrinsically linked to the early 20th-century development of Bosnian art. Born in Bosanska Kostunica in 1888, he was part of a pioneering generation of artists who benefited from formal training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest (1910-1914). This exposure to European artistic trends – particularly Impressionism and early Modernism – profoundly shaped his style. Alongside contemporaries like Gabriel Jurkić and Petar Tiješić, Mažalić was instrumental in establishing a distinct Bosnian artistic identity, blending traditional landscape motifs with innovative techniques. His formative years in Budapest instilled a rigorous approach to composition and color theory, which he then skillfully applied to the evocative landscapes of his homeland.

    Technique and Style: A Harmonious Blend

    Mažalić’s technique in “Cismon” exemplifies a harmonious blend of observation and artistic interpretation. The brushwork is generally smooth and controlled, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective that enhances the illusion of depth. The use of color is particularly noteworthy – the dominant blues of the mountains are skillfully juxtaposed with warmer tones in the trees and foreground, drawing the eye through the composition. While influenced by European trends, Mažalić’s style remains distinctly Bosnian, characterized by a sensitivity to local topography and a profound appreciation for the region's natural beauty. The painting demonstrates a mastery of light and shadow, capturing the subtle nuances of the landscape with remarkable precision.

    Symbolism and Emotional Resonance

    Beyond its technical merits, “Cismon” resonates with deeper symbolic meanings. The mountains themselves often represent strength, resilience, and spiritual aspiration – themes prevalent in Bosnian folklore and religious traditions. The inclusion of human figures subtly reminds us of our connection to the natural world, prompting reflection on humanity’s role within a vast and timeless landscape. Painted in 1917, during a period of significant social and political change in Europe, the painting's serene depiction of nature offers a moment of quiet contemplation – a refuge from the turmoil of the era. The overall effect is one of profound peace and beauty, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the timeless grandeur of the Bosnian landscape.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    đoko mazalić

    Born in Bosanska Kostunica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    early life and education

    đoko mazalić, a renowned bosnian artist, was born in 1888 in bosanska kostajnica. he was one of the first generation of art school-trained painters, alongside notable artists like gabrijel jurkić, petar tiješić, and špiro bocarić. mazalić's artistic journey began with his studies at the academy of fine arts in budapest from 1910 to 1914.

    artistic career and style

    mazalić's body of work is characterized by its stylistic versatility and qualitative consistency. his paintings, particularly landscapes, are among his best works, showcasing his unique interpretation of nature. motif from vranduk (1920), a landscape piece, demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of the natural world. notable works:

    landscape (1913), national gallery of bosnia and herzegovina

    motif from vogošća (1930), national gallery of bosnia and herzegovina

    village under snow (1930), national gallery of bosnia and herzegovina

    teaching and legacy

    from 1923 to 1945, mazalić worked as a teacher in sarajevo, leaving an indelible mark on the art scene. his influence can still be seen in the works of younger artists who followed in his footsteps. view more works by đoko mazalić:

    đoko mazalić's artworks

    the istván dobó museum (eger, hungary) - a rich cultural heritage (featuring a different artist, but showcasing the museum's art collection)

    conclusion

    đoko mazalić's artistic legacy is a testament to his innovative approach and dedication to capturing the beauty of bosnia and herzegovina. his works continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, cementing his place in the annals of bosnian art history. related artists:

    gabrijel jurkić

    petar tiješić

    špiro bocarić

    view more:

    đoko mazalić's profile on AllPaintingsStore.com

    đoko mazalić - wikipedia

    Museum

    National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    On show in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    A Sanctuary of Resilience: The Soul of Sarajevo

    In the beating heart of Sarajevo, a city that has weathered the most profound storms of the twentieth century, stands the National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a luminous testament to the enduring power of human creativity. Established in 1946 during the transformative era of post-war reconstruction, the gallery was conceived not merely as a storehouse for relics, but as a vital organ for a nation seeking to redefine itself through beauty and cultural continuity. To walk through its doors is to enter a space where the scars of history meet the triumph of the artistic spirit, offering a profound dialogue between a turbulent past and an aspirational future. It serves as a sanctuary where the collective memory of a people is preserved within the delicate strokes of paint and the heavy textures of stone.

    The soul of the collection lies in its remarkable ability to weave together diverse threads of identity, ranging from the sacred to the avant-garde. Collectors and art enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the

    Ferdinand Hodler Collection

    , where the profound influence of Swiss Symbolism breathes life into landscapes that feel both deeply grounded in nature and spiritually transcendent. This ethereal quality is balanced by the robust presence of Yugoslavian Masters, whose works provide an expansive, sweeping panorama of twentieth-century trends, capturing the complex cultural shifts and the evolving identity of a region in flux. For those drawn to the weight of tradition, the gallery’s

    Icon Collection

    offers a meditative journey through Orthodox Christian heritage, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and devotional intensity of centuries of religious artistry.

    The architecture of the museum itself serves as a physical manifestation of Sarajevo's modernist ambitions. Designed by the Czech architect Karel Pařík, the structure is a masterclass in symmetrical elegance, composed of four distinct pavilions that reflect the organized optimism of the post-war period. Each pavilion was originally intended to house specialized departments—archaeology, ethnology, and natural history—and today, this layout creates a rhythmic, exploratory experience for the visitor. The clean lines and modernist aesthetic provide a sophisticated backdrop that complements both the heavy textures of classical sculpture and the ephemeral nature of contemporary installations, making it an inspiring destination for interior designers seeking to understand the intersection of structural form and curated atmosphere.

    What truly distinguishes the National Gallery is its role as a living, breathing entity rather than a static monument. It remains a crucial platform where the echoes of history meet the pulse of the present. Through rotating photography exhibits and contemporary art installations, the gallery continuously challenges its audience to engage with modern social dynamics and global artistic movements. This commitment to evolution ensures that the museum is not just a repository of what has been, but a vibrant laboratory for what is yet to come. For the discerning visitor, the National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina offers more than an exhibition; it offers an intimate encounter with the very essence of Bosnian resilience and the timeless allure of the artistic soul.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Cismon

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/doko-mazalic-cismon-D7SAKU-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    mazalić, đoko. Cismon. 1917, National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-cismon-D7SAKU-en/
    APA
    mazalić, đoko (1917). Cismon [Painting]. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-cismon-D7SAKU-en/
    Chicago
    đoko mazalić. Cismon. 1917. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-cismon-D7SAKU-en/
    Harvard
    mazalić, đoko (1917) Cismon. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-cismon-D7SAKU-en/

    Look closely

    Cismon — đoko mazalić

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: mountain landscape, scenic vista art, blue mountain tones. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Old Town (1931), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. đoko mazalić was about 29 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.