Birch Trees

Alois Kalvoda belongs in the plentiful group of painters who studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague in the landscape painting studio of Julius Mařák. In 1900, he travelled to Paris with the sculptor Josef Mařatka; in the following year, he visited Munich. The two journeys contributed significantly to the essential turnabout in his artistic expression. He abandoned atmospheric landscape painting; instead, his work became influenced by Art Nouveau symbolism and impressionism. Kalvoda also lectured on art, wrote exhibition reviews, and was the editor of Dílo (Artwork) magazine between 1909 and 1912. His memories of his studies at the Academy are reflected in his books Přátelé výtvarníci (Friends Artists, 1929) and Vzpomínky (Memories, 1932).