Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Gamblers

Name Class Date

đoko mazalić, Gamblers (1920), 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
1920
Medium
Oil On Canvas
Original size
115 x 154 cm
Movement
Academic Realism Highly polished, carefully finished realism taught by the official art schools of the 1800s.
Held at
National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina artsdot.com/en/museums/national-gallery-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina-sarajevo/
Subject or theme
Social gathering in a field

In context

Gamblers — đoko mazalić

How big is it?

The original measures 115 × 154 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, 1920

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-gamblers-D7S9FX-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Gray #769991

    Catalogued palette

    • #769991
    • #B59E5C
    • #5F5B5E
    • #DAD6C3
    Main colour name
    Gray
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    Gamblers — đoko mazalić

    A Gathering in the Verdant Embrace

    This captivating scene, titled "Gamblers," transports the viewer to an idyllic moment suspended in time. It is more than just a portrait of assembled figures; it is a vibrant tableau of human connection set against the backdrop of nature's enduring beauty. The composition draws the eye into a lively gathering within a lush field, where the interplay between the clustered humanity and the surrounding foliage creates a sense of both intimacy and expansive freedom. One can almost hear the murmur of conversation, the rustle of leaves, and the shared laughter echoing across this pastoral setting.

    Mastery of Light and Form

    The artist, đoko mazalić, demonstrates a remarkable command over group portraiture, managing to imbue each individual with a distinct personality while maintaining cohesion within the larger narrative. The figures, dressed in period attire complete with ties and hats, suggest a social occasion—a moment of leisure where worldly concerns seem momentarily suspended. Mazalić’s technique allows the light to play across the varied textures of their clothing and skin, giving depth and dimensionality to what is fundamentally a gathering of souls. The handling of paint suggests an academic foundation blended with a deeply personal touch, characteristic of early 20th-century European genre painting.

    Historical Resonance and Social Commentary

    Dating from 1920, "Gamblers" emerges from a period of significant cultural flux in the Balkans. While the title might suggest a specific activity, the overall mood transcends mere chance; it speaks to the universal human need for community and shared experience. The setting—a natural field punctuated by trees—often symbolizes refuge or the cyclical nature of life itself. It captures that quintessential moment when society pauses its hurried pace to simply exist together, sharing stories under an open sky.

    Emotional Echoes for the Modern Collector

    For the discerning collector or designer seeking a piece that breathes narrative into a space, this work offers profound emotional resonance. It evokes nostalgia for simpler times while celebrating the enduring power of human fellowship. Reproducing such a masterful composition allows one to bring the warmth and sophisticated energy of an early 20th-century salon into contemporary décor. The rich palette and dynamic arrangement ensure that "Gamblers" will serve not merely as decoration, but as a focal point for contemplation and conversation within any room.

    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 Gamblers

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/doko-mazalic-gamblers-D7S9FX-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    mazalić, đoko. Gamblers. 1920, National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-gamblers-D7S9FX-en/
    APA
    mazalić, đoko (1920). Gamblers [Painting]. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-gamblers-D7S9FX-en/
    Chicago
    đoko mazalić. Gamblers. 1920. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-gamblers-D7S9FX-en/
    Harvard
    mazalić, đoko (1920) Gamblers. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-gamblers-D7S9FX-en/

    Look closely

    Gamblers — 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: group portraiture, social gathering, outdoor scene. 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. Academic Realism: Highly polished, carefully finished realism taught by the official art schools of the 1800s. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

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

    Art quiz

    Gamblers — đoko mazalić

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What is the title of the artwork?

      • A Motif from Vranduk
      • B Gamblers
      • C Village under Snow
    2. 2. Approximately what year was the painting 'Gamblers' created?

      • A 1913
      • B 1920
      • C 1930
    3. 3. The setting described in the painting is characterized by:

      • A An indoor, formal salon
      • B A natural field with trees
      • C A bustling city street corner
    4. 4. Which country was the artist, đoko mazalić, associated with?

      • A Serbia
      • B Bosnia and Herzegovina
      • C Croatia
    5. 5. The group portrait in 'Gamblers' suggests a theme of:

      • A Warfare and conflict
      • B A social gathering or conversation
      • C Agricultural labor

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1A · 2A · 3A · 4A · 5A