no attributions 1990

Ivan Generalic's painting is made with oil on glass, a technique that lends itself to a distinctive smoothness and clarity. Generalic was a key figure in the Croatian Naïve Art movement, and his choice of materials and techniques reflects a broader artistic philosophy that valued directness and authenticity. Oil on glass allows for a high level of detail, which we see in the rendering of the figures, the landscape, and the symbolic elements within the composition. The artist’s commitment to the material is evident in the application of paint, which gives the image its distinctive visual quality, a smooth surface, and a certain luminosity that enhances the dreamlike quality of the scene. The scene depicts a winter landscape with a crucifixion scene alongside everyday rural life, combining the sacred and the mundane. Ultimately, the artwork invites us to consider the relationship between art and life, questioning traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.