Slide 1



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 2



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 3



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 4



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 5



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 6



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 7



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 8



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 9



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 10



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 11



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 12



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 13



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 14



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 15



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 16



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 17



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 18



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 19



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 20



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 21



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 22



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 23



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 24



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 25



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 26



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.


Slide 27



Vladimir Dimitrov - the
Master is a prominent
Bulgarian painter. One of
the biggest names in
Bulgarian painting. He
worked in the first half of
the twentieth century.
Manifested in portrait or
landscape genre and
household composition.
His portraits and
compositions have
expressive colors, idealistic
and highly symbolic
pattern transmission



Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter
and scenographer regarded as the founder
of the Bulgarian Secession and a
representative of Bulgarian modernism,
combining symbolism, Art Nouveau and
expressionism in his work.

Ivan Milev was born in the town of
Kazanlak in the family of shepherd Milyu
Lalev. In 1917-1918, he fought as a soldier
in World War I. On 18 November 1918, the
same year that he finished high school in
his hometown, he arranged an exhibition
in Kazanlak. For two years he was a
teacher in Gorski Izvor, Haskovo Province.
In 1920, he was admitted to the National
Academy of Arts in Sofia, where he studied
under Prof. , and had three one-man
exhibitions. In the summer of 1923, he
visited Turkey, Greece and Italy with a
group of fellow students. He was
introduced to the achievements of the
Italian Renaissance and the Italian
Baroque in Rome, Naples, Florence and
Venice. In 1926, he graduated in set
decoration from the National Academy and
worked for the Ivan Vazov National
Theatre as a stage designer.



Born on 26th January 1891 in Stara Zagora. Son of the artist Atanas Gudzenov.
In 1915 graduated from the Arts Industrial School in Sofia, art of painting, the
class of Prof. Tzeno Todorov. At the same time /1913 - 1915/ he had been
student at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, the class of Prof. F. Kormon.
From 1920 to 1933 he had been lecturer at the Academy of Arts in Sofia. After
1925 the main style in the creative works of Gudzhenov became the historic art
of painting. His works cover other styles as well – genre painting, portrait,
landscape. He regularly participated in the exhibitions of the Society of South
Bulgarian Artists, of which he has been fellow-founder, 1911/, the “Modern Art”
Society /fellow 1920 - 1927/ and the Society of the Artists in Bulgaria /he has
been its chair for the period 1931 -1941/. He took part also in joint exhibitions
in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, New York. Gudzhenov is author of the mural paintings
and icons in a number of churches in Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. From
1933 to 1945 he worked as artist with the headquarters of the Bulgarian army.
He created a gallery of historic figures and numerous genre painting scenes. He
deceased on 25th August 1979 in Sofia.









Ivan Mrkvička (23 April 1856 – 16 May 1938)
was a Czech-born painter and an active
contributor to the artistic life of newly-liberated
Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century.
He is regarded as one of the founders of the
modern Bulgarian fine art tradition.
Born in the village of Vidim pri Duba, he studied
at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the
Munich Academy. Mrkvička came to Plovdiv in
1881 after an invitation by the then-Eastern
Rumelian government and worked as a teacher
in the Cyril and Methodius high school, where he
co-operated with the most important cultural
figures in the city — Ivan Vazov, Konstantin
Velichkov, Petko Karavelov, Petko Slaveykov.
Mrkvička settled in Sofia in 1889 and was one of
the founders of the National Academy of Arts in
1896, but briefly returned to Plovdiv in 1892 to
take part in a special exhibition in the Plovdiv
Fair main pavilion. He there presented 15
paintings.
The painter's most significant achievements are
in the everyday life genre, although he also
worked in the historic painting sphere and is the
author of many high-quality portraits. One of the
creators of the then-coat of arms of Bulgaria and
the coat of arms of Sofia, he became a Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences member in 1918.

SVETLIN RUSEV


Svetlin Rusev Valchev
Bulgarian artist, publicist,
collector of works of art,
academician of Academy of
Sciences.
Ends painting in 1959 under
Professor Dechko Uzunov. In
1977 he became a professor.
President of the Union of
Bulgarian Artists in the
period 1973-1985 From
1985 to 1988 was director of
the National Art Gallery.





Born Sept. 21, 1904, in the village of Skriniano, Kiustendil
Okrug. Bulgarian artist.
Venev studied in the Art Academy in Sofia. In the 1920’s and
1930’s he became a master of proletarian satirical graphic art.
Since the second half of the 1930’s he has produced mostly
humorous scenes from peasant life (The Merry Year, 1957,
National Art Gallery in Sofia). His painting is festively bright
and physical, with a generalized treatment of stocky figures
and rhythmic composition. A series of his late paintings is
characterized by a severe dramatic and heroic spirit. He
received the Dimitrov Prize in 1950 and 1953 and was named
a People’s Artist in 1954.




Born Nov. 24, 1896, in Plovdiv. Bulgarian painter and graphic
artist; People’s Artist (1963); Hero of Socialist Labor (1969).
Lavrenov attended a private art school in Vienna (1921–22).
Using the icon and miniatures traditions of the Bulgarian
Renaissance, as well as making detailed study of ancient
architecture, Lavrenov concentrates on painting ancient cities
and monasteries, often set in mountain landscapes—for
example, Old Plovdiv (1946, the painter’s private collection). He
prefers historical, folkloric, and occasionally fairy-tale and
fantastic subjects and is fond of the triptych form. His painting
For Freedom (1932, National Museum of the Bulgarian
Revolutionary Movement in Sofia) protests fascist terror.
Lavrenov’s paintings are imaginative, display vivid details, and
use a decorative and harmonious palette.





Zlatio Georgiev Boiadjiev (October 22, 1903 – February 2,
1976) was a Bulgarian painter. He is known for his portraits
and landscapes, depicting mainly the Old Town of Plovdiv
and village life in its vicinity.
Born in the village of Brezovo, Plovdiv region, Boiadjiev
graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia in
1932. His work is generally divided into two main periods —
up until 1951, when he fell ill by a stroke and temporarily
gave up painting, — then from the time of his partial recovery
a few years later until his death in 1976, in Plovdiv, the
second largest Bulgarian City. After the stroke he was
working with his left hand and in a completely different
manner.