Artist scales massive rock face to paint Croatian icons mural
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
An impressive new mural has been unveiled on the rock face above the picturesque northern Croatian town of Klanjec, celebrating three influential figures tied to the town’s history and culture.
Spanning over 100 square metres, measuring 24 by 12 metres, the mural features the portraits of painter Oton Iveković, poet Antun Mihanović, and sculptor Antun Augustinčić.
The work is by academic painter Maja Vukina Bogović who was inspired to transform the concrete-covered section of Cesarska Gora into a large-scale tribute visible from the surrounding roads, including the busy state road D205.
The idea first emerged in 2016, and the project has now been realised in collaboration with the local tourist board, Biser Zagorja, and supported by several regional and national bodies.
The mural was painted directly onto the concrete using specialised colours formulated for outdoor concrete surfaces.
Given the challenging terrain and irregular surface of the rock, Vukina Bogović painted parts from a ladder but required rope support and climbing assistance for the higher sections.
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) from Zlatar Bistrica provided essential technical support during the painting process, ensuring the artist’s safety throughout.
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
Each of the three figures portrayed has strong ties to Klanjec. Oton Iveković, a renowned historical painter, is known for epic depictions of Croatian history, including The Arrival of the Croats.
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
Antun Mihanović, best known as the author of the lyrics to the Croatian national anthem, spent his final years in Klanjec, where he is also buried.
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
Antun Augustinčić, born in Klanjec, is recognised as one of the most important Croatian sculptors of the 20th century, with a dedicated gallery in the town and iconic works such as the Monument to the Peasants’ Revolt in Gornja Stubica.
Maja Vukina Bogović (Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
The mural was completed as part of a broader initiative by the Biser Zagorja Tourist Board, co-funded through the Fund for United Tourist Boards. Additional support came from the City of Klanjec, Krapina-Zagorje County, the Croatian Tourist Board, Croatian Roads (Hrvatske ceste), and HGSS.
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
Easily visible from multiple directions, the mural has already begun to capture the attention of both residents and visitors, and is expected to become a lasting cultural and touristic asset for the region.
(Photo courtesy of Maja Vukina Bogović)
