ZAGREB - Croatia and Slovenia - page 110

ce and studio. Split's Meštrovi ć Gallery (described on here ) is the definitive museum of this
20th-century Croatian sculptor, but if you're not going there, Zagreb's gallery is a conveni-
ent place to gain an appreciation for this prolific, thoughtful artist. For more on Meštrovi ć ,
see here .
Cost and Hours: 30 kn, 20-kn English catalog, Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat-Sun
10:00-14:00, closed Mon, behind St. Mark's Square at Mleta č ka 8, tel. [phone],
www.mestrovic.hr .
Self-Guided Tour: When you buy your ticket, be sure to pick up the large floor
plan—it's the only way to identify the pieces on display here (they're marked only by num-
ber; I've noted the numbers for important works in this tour). Then enter the high-ceilinged
dining room of Meštrovi ć 's home. He designed the crucifix on the wall (#83, Christ being
supported by an angel), the wood-carved chandeliers, and the furniture, right down to the
carvings onthebacksofthechairs. Overlooking thetable isasculpture ofhismother(#59),
wearing the traditional headdress of her Dalmatian village homeland, legs crossed, hands
clasped in intent prayer—a favorite pose of Meštrovi ć 's. At the other end of the table is a
self-portrait bustofMeštrovi ć ,headcockedquizzically (#76).Inthealcoveatthebottomof
the stairs, see the Madonna and Baby , tenderly kissing (#38).