Ivan Meštrović

Ivan Meštrović (Known as "Meštrović")

Master Sculptor, Architect, Professor at Syracuse and Notre Dame

Born 1883-08-15

Vrpolje, Slavonia, Croatia

Passed Away 1962-01-16 South Bend, Indiana, USA, Croatia

Lifespan 78 years old

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"Art is the only bridge that connects transient human existence with the eternal majesty of the divine."

Archival Overview

One of the greatest monumental sculptors of the 20th century, hailed by Auguste Rodin as a colossal phenomenon, whose masterworks in stone, bronze, and wood grace Zagreb, Split, Chicago, and Belgrade.

Biographical Record

Ivan Meštrović was born on August 15, 1883, in Vrpolje and raised tending sheep in the rocky Dalmatian village of Otavice, carving wooden figures. Apprenticed to a stonemason in Split, he graduated from the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts under Edmund von Hellmer.

His colossal heroic sculptures, including the Kosovka devojka, History of the Croats, and Chicago's famous The Bowman and The Spearman, gained worldwide renown. Emigrating to the United States after World War II, he taught at Syracuse University and the University of Notre Dame before his remains were returned home to his family mausoleum in Otavice.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Meštrović Mausoleum)
Otavice, Ružić, Croatia

                         GPS: 43.8560, 16.2750                    

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