Mestrovic, << MEHSH truh vihch, >> Ivan (1883-1962), was an internationally known Croatian sculptor. He worked chiefly in marble, wood, and bronze. Much of his sculpture was strongly influenced by Greek classical styles. Religious and patriotic themes dominate Mestrovic’s art. Mestrovic’s major works include the marble sculptures Maiden of Kosovo (1907) and Pieta (1942-1946).
Mestrovic was born on Aug. 15, 1883, in Vrpolje, Dalmatia (now part of Croatia). He learned carving from a master mason in Split. During World War I (1914-1918), he was a leader in the movement to create the nation of Yugoslavia. Mestrovic worked and taught mainly in Yugoslavia until the mid-1940’s, when he moved to the United States. He died on Jan. 16, 1962.
