Drowned Cat

Štursa’s theme and method of execution are rare but not marginal. In a naturalistic manner, he captured not only biological decay, but also the limitation of impressionism’s segmentation of form. Štursa had become acquainted with impressionist sculpture in Paris in 1904, when he saw the work of Italian sculptor Medardo Rosso, who worked in plaster and wax. Wax sculptures reflect the light with a remarkable fineness that nearly dissolves their bulk. Štursa combined this sensual concept of light with the romantic-symbolistic theme of death and decay, capturing the contemporary mood in a nutshell.