František Bílek

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František Bílek (January 6, 1872, Chýnov, near Tábor - October 13, 1941, Chýnov) was a famous Czech Art Nouveau Symbolist sculptor and architect.

Bílek attended the Akademie výtvarných umění (AVU) in Prague. Due to his apparent colour-blindness he moved to Josef Mauder one year later (1888) and started to study sculpture. Given a scholarship offered by patron Vojtěch Lanna, he spent one year in Paris at Académie Calarossi. Since that he lived in turns in Prague and in Chýnov, and was a member of the Mánes Union of Fine Arts from 1898 to 1912.

His works often reflect Biblical themes or have religious connotations. Though it was never completed, Bílek also worked on his National Monument reflecting Czech Hussite history and its perceived end at White Mountain.

He built his own villa in Hradčany that he requested be turned into a museum of his works after his death.

[edit] External links

• Radio Prague - extensive Biography and selection of Works
• Guide to Bílek's villa.