The Top Ten Czech Painters of All Time

Studying art in Prague affords you the opportunity to walk in the shadow of a myriad of amazing Czech painters who were also inspired by the city and its people. In this list I’ve compiled the top ten most influential Czech artists based on their oeuvre, but also their greater contribution to Czech culture. Of course I’ve also got my favorites (which is Toyen), however overall I’ve ranked Mucha higher because of his international fame and recognition.

During our painting classes at Oko Academy I start every session the same way as one of my mentors in Chicago did, and that is by looking. It’s such an important element to learning how to paint and draw and its amazing how often it is overlooked in a lot of contemporary approaches to teaching painting in universities and art schools. Sure, there is likely an art history class, and that’s great, however these classes aren’t often taught through the eyes of a painter, but rather a historian. As painters, we should also remember to look at the works of those who came before us, not only in books, and on our phones, but also in real life, at museums and galleries. All of the artists here have works in various museums and galleries in Prague. Toyen in particular is experiencing a major resurgence at the moment due to the release of a book about her. Others included on the list, like Burian, are painters who may not be considered high brow artists, but also added a lot to the cultural zeitgeist of Prague, and Czech Republic.

10. František Bílek (1872–1941): An accomplished sculptor, painter, and architect, František Bílek was a multifaceted artist associated with Symbolism. His unique blend of mysticism and symbolism is evident in his sculptures and religious-themed works.

9. Jiří Anderle (born 1936): A contemporary Czech painter, graphic artist, and illustrator, Jiří Anderle is known for his distinctive style characterized by meticulous detail and introspective themes. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts.

8. Jan Zrzavý (1890–1977): A prominent Czech painter associated with the Devětsil artistic group, Jan Zrzavý’s work transitioned from Cubism to Surrealism. His later paintings often featured dreamlike landscapes and imaginative scenes.

7. Mikoláš Aleš (1852–1913): A renowned painter, illustrator, and designer, Mikoláš Aleš is celebrated for his contributions to Czech art and culture. His historical paintings and illustrations played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of Czech nationalism.

6. Zdeněk Burian (1905–1981): While primarily known as an illustrator and paleoartist, Zdeněk Burian’s detailed reconstructions of prehistoric life have left a lasting impact. His depictions of dinosaurs and ancient landscapes continue to influence popular perceptions of prehistory.

5. Jaroslav Horejc (1886–1983): A prominent sculptor and medalist, Jaroslav Horejc played a crucial role in the development of Czech modern sculpture. His works often reflected a deep connection to Czech history and folklore.

4. Max Švabinský (1873–1962): An influential Czech painter and graphic artist, Švabinský was associated with Symbolism and contributed significantly to the development of modern Czech art.

3. Bohumil Kubišta (1884–1918): Known for his dynamic compositions and contributions to Expressionism and Cubism, Kubišta’s career was sadly brief due to his untimely death during the Spanish flu pandemic.

2. Toyen (Marie Čermínová) (1902–1980): A prominent Surrealist painter and illustrator, Toyen was a key figure in the Czech avant-garde movement. Her work often explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the subconscious. Toyen was a member of the Surrealist Group of Czechoslovakia and left a lasting impact on the Surrealist movement.

1. Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939): Renowned for his Art Nouveau masterpieces, Mucha’s elegant and decorative style has made him an icon of the movement.