The traditional folk costumes worn in Czechia are one aspect of the country's cultural heritage perhaps most well-known. These clothes vary from region to region, and one artist, Joža Uprka, is particularly famous for his paintings capturing his home's unique style.

Joža Uprka was born in October 1861 in the village of Kněždub in Moravia, the eastern part of Czechia, where he began learning the basics of painting from his father. He went on to study at Prague's Academy of Art but, due to disagreements with the style taught there, left for Munich for three years. Uprka returned to Prague only to leave a year later to finally settle in Hroznová Lhota, where he would begin to paint the subject matter that would cause him to gain notoriety.

Uprka's works mainly focus on documenting the rich culture of Moravia. He painted the celebrations and special occasions in the countryside, like the one shown above titled “King's Ride in Vlčnov,” with attendees wearing traditional folk costumes. This is a depiction of a festival by the same name that takes place near the town of Vlčnov where a group of young men rides through the village on horseback.

The same kind of lively scene can be seen in his painting "Pilgrimage at St. Anthony," a work that received much acclaim. The subject matter is still rooted in folk traditions, depicting a large crowd gathered near the Church of Saint Anthony, a place that has long been a pilgrimage site near Blatnice. The bright, vivid colors captured in the elaborate clothes, each with a unique design, create an atmosphere of celebration.

Many of his paintings also seem to have inspiration from Impressionism, a movement which Uprka would have become acquainted with during his travels. The topic of modern life was popular among Impressionists, and the style of some works also exhibit characteristics of the movement. The lack of definition in the background, often featuring smudged trees and a blurred crowd continuing their trek onward, highlights the figures’ vibrant, detailed clothes in the foreground, showcasing their intricate patterns and lace sleeves.

Uprka's works became especially important in preserving these traditions and history as the country slowly started to be industrialized in the twentieth century. He died on January 12, 1940, but his contributions to the culture of Moravia caused him to become and continue to be one of the most prominent artists in the region. Below is a map that details the locations mentioned in this article.

Written by Erin Schachtner