Did you know that Palma de Mallorca is home to a museum dedicated to a Croatian painter with a passion for Incan art? That’s right, we are standing in front of the Krekoviċ Museum.
Kristian Krekoviċ was born in Bosnia in 1901. He later became a painter known for his portraits and ethnographic art. Interestingly, he developed a fascination with Incan art later in life. This fascination led him to spend years living in Peru.
Krekoviċ eventually settled in Palma de Mallorca in 1960. He lived here until his death in 1985. In 1977, he built a museum to house his art. It was originally called the Museum of Palma de Mallorca. Today, we know it as the Krekoviċ Museum.
Queen Sofía of Spain officially opened the Krekoviċ Museum in 1981. The museum holds about 150 of Krekoviċ’s works. Most of these works are very large. The museum is divided into three rooms. Each room represents a different theme in Krekoviċ’s life and art.
The first room focuses on the Inca Empire and its civilizations. Here, you’ll find paintings inspired by his time in Peru and his study of Incan culture. The second room shifts its focus to Spain. It showcases art related to the Balearic Islands and the Americas. This room reflects Krekoviċ’s interest in Spanish and Balearic culture. The third room is dedicated to Peru. It explores both the past and present of the country. This room also promotes the theme of world peace.
Beyond paintings, the museum also displays samples of Peruvian indigenous culture. Krekoviċ’s art captured the essence of his subjects. Mahatma Gandhi said that Krekoviċ’s sentiment towards the world was unique. He said that it impregnated all his art with creativity and constructive character.
Krekoviċ painted portraits of many notable figures. These included Queen Mary of the United Kingdom and the Royal Family of Spain. For a time, Krekoviċ even painted a portrait of the fascist general Ante Pavelić. During World War II, Krekoviċ was tried by the Yugoslav government. This was because of his painting of Pavelić.
There is a curious anecdote about Krekoviċ. While working on a painting of King Jaime I of Aragón, he needed a model. The model needed strong facial features and a beard. A Canadian man named Bill Lewis became the face of King Jaime I in Krekoviċ’s painting.
So, as you explore the Krekoviċ Museum remember the artist’s journey. He travelled from Bosnia to Peru and finally to Palma de Mallorca. His art reflects his diverse experiences and his passion for different cultures. The Krekoviċ Museum stands as a testament to his life and work.