Old man reading a book painted in 1938 by Czech painter Vojtěch Pernica. The painting represents traditional Czech figurative art of the early twentieth century. The warm tones create a calm and harmonious atmosphere. Fine light modelling gives the portrait psychological depth. The work belongs to the mature period of the artist. A gallery label is preserved on the reverse side. The subject symbolizes wisdom and experience. Suitable for collectors of Czech art. A dignified and timeless painting. Good investment potential.This artwork comes from the private St. Martin Collection, established at the end of the 20th century and gradually expanded over the decades into a remarkable collection of approximately 800 artworks and collectible objects. The collection was built with a focus on authorial originality and distinctive artistic expression. Objects originating from this collection appear on the market only rarely, which significantly enhances their collector’s value. The inclusion of this piece in the auction therefore represents an attractive opportunity to acquire an artwork with clear provenance from a long-established private collection.