Josef Lada
Remembered as a timeless illustrator, writer, and iconic caricaturist for newspapers and books, Josef Lada’s work has become a staple in Czech heritage, encompassing everyday life and even reflecting moments in Czech history. Josef is known for his unique humor and specific drawing style. His work is known by many around the world and continues to reach new generations today.
Lada was born on December 17, 1887, in a small village in Hrusice, Bohemia. He grew up as the youngest of four children in a family of shoemakers. While his family was not well-off Lada made the most of it. He stopped attending school at a young age, but he continued to be hardworking and became very talented.
Despite being entirely self-taught, Lada made a name for himself as a caricaturist for newspapers and then as an illustrator. Lada also made several paintings in fresco and gouache watercolor with ink. He would also find himself designing costumes for plays and films.
Lada also worked on the original WWI novel Good Soldier Svejik. He painted the illustrations for the book and created over 1,300 illustrations of Svejik. The satiric war novel depicts Austria-Hungary officers often, seen as incompetent, abusive, and often drunk. The original book has been translated into 57 different languages becoming the most translated novel in Czech literature.
Josef Lada would go on to write and illustrate his own books that gained popularity. Many of his children’s stories were often inspired by stories he would tell his daughters. Today, his books such as Mikes The Cat, My Alphabet, and Lada’s Cheerful Natural History have been loved and remembered by many and passed down to younger generations to cherish.
While many remember him by his books, Lada is also known for his Christmas scenes often found in calendars and postcards. Later in his life, Lada confessed that while his family did not have much, he loved his small Christmases and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Many of his cozy festive scenes have become an iconic part of Christmas in Czechia. Even under the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, his Christmas images remained popular. However, in a 1970’s calendar, the regime replaced some religious figures with a bowl of fruit.
Josef Lada died in Prague on December 14, 1957, and is buried in Olsany Cemetary. Today, in his hometown of Hrusice, a museum, and memorial to Josef Lada were made in his old home villa. While there are many of his works archived and published, his work is still being uncovered and found today.
In his life, Lada drew more than 15,000 illustrations both color and black and white, and wrote 13 books both for children and adults. His illustrations have also been a part of 81 newspapers and magazines, six of which were foreign. His illustrations, books, and paintings have graced their way through the years in Czech culture and continue to be a part of younger generations.
Written by Karlin Lojo