89th Auction, lot 97 This extraordinary painting of the sought-after artist, Václav Špála, is a unique and very unconventional example of his early work related to his activity within the artistic group Skupina výtvarných umělců [The Group of Visual Artists]. Due to an extreme lack of creative freedom and differences of opinion, the author did not complete his initial academic training at both Prague art schools and embarked on a free, unlimited search for his own modern expression. In 1911, he made his first trip to Paris, where he came under the influence of French artists and was enchanted by the world of vivid colours and shapes. His style had relaxed and his colour range changed to become brighter and clearer. The presented landscape scene masterfully represents Špála’s highly valued short stage of work during the First World War. This distinctive work of an almost plein air atmosphere from the artist’s favourite region around the Vltava River depicts the park in Veltrusy with the chateau in the background. It is executed in a captivating way, where the artist built a refined composition using clearly divided compound surfaces and energetic brushwork. The composition is further enhanced with a reduced colour range composed of green and earthy shades that give the whole scene a completely fresh and dynamic expression and anticipate Špála’s most famous works from the 1920s. Undoubtedly, this is a rare work of Václav Špála and a top example of Czech avant-garde art of high value for both galleries and collectors. It is framed in the original frame. Assessed during consultations by PhDr. R. Michalová, Ph.D., and PhDr. K. Srp. The expertise of Mgr. E. Vele is attached.