Franz Kafka
Intaglio engraving in crystal glass, sign. and dat. J. Harcuba 1983, diameter 17.4 cm

Literature: Petrová S., České sklo, Gallery, Prague, 2001, published version of the portrait on p. 67
Holešovský K., Jiří Harcuba’s intaglio and medals, exhibition catalog, 1988, published version of the portrait on p. 53.

Jiří Harcuba apprenticed as a glass engraver in the Harrachov Glassworks in 1945. In 1948, he graduated from the Professional Glassmaking School in Nový Bor from prof. Karel Hrodek’s engraving department, he then studied with prof. Karel Štipl at the VŠUP in Prague, graduating in 1957. Since becoming an artist, he has specialized in glass engraving and cutting techniques. He has also designed coins and medals (designing the Czech five crown coin, for example). In 1990 he was appointed professor of the VŠUP in Prague. He was elected rector the following year. The cut and engraved portraits of famous cultural personalities of the past and present, which he had been making since 1971, are considered to be the peak of his work. In these portraits, the mastery of intaglio engraving is combined with the ability to capture the psychological traits and character of those portrayed.

The portrait on offer of Franz Kafka is a classic example of this mastery.