Ivo Kerdić

Ivo Kerdić (1881–1953) was a Croatian sculptor, best known for his metalwork and medallions.

Biography

Ivo Kerdić was born 19 May 1881 in Davor, a small village near Slavonski Brod, Croatia, at that time in Austria-Hungary. The son of a wood merchant, he spent 4 years in elementary school, before going to Zagreb to learn the trade of locksmith in the school for artisans. In 1900, he went to Paris, where he worked during the day, and studied applied art in the evenings, learning engraving. He returned home on the death of his father, one year later. Not having the funds to resume his studies in Paris, in 1902 Kerdić went to Vienna, where he worked at the Gillar Bronze Factory, rising to foreman.

Kerdić returned to Zagreb in 1913, where he took up a position as lecturer at the College of Arts and Crafts. He pioneered bronze casting at the Academy of Fine Arts, where he taught metalworking from 1923 to 1947.

Ivo Kerdić died in Zagreb 27 October 1953.

Legacy

Kerdić's work included items of applied art, portraits and figurative compositions. Examples of his sculptures can be seen in the main and side altar of the church of St Blaze in Zagreb, the altar of St Nicolas Tavelica in the church of St Cyril and Methodius in Jerusalem. In the Zagreb area, on the Miramarska road is a crucifix by Kerdic.