CURATOR'S TIP: Village at Night is an outstanding example of Jaroslav Klápště's mature artistic period from 1969. In this remarkable composition, the artist transforms the traditional motif of a Czech village into a timeless geometric structure filled with symbolism, atmosphere and emotional depth. The houses emerge from darkness as archetypal forms of memory, shelter and human presence. Carefully balanced contrasts of light and shadow create a powerful nocturnal mood, while expressive textures and subtle colour accents enrich the composition with depth and visual tension. The painting combines architectural order with poetic imagination and demonstrates the artist's distinctive approach to modernist figurative abstraction. The year 1969 belongs among the most sought-after periods of Klápště's oeuvre. Particularly significant is the companion painting Sunset, created in the same year and format, which achieved CZK 336,000 at auction in 2024. This documented auction result further strengthens the collector appeal of the present work. Signed, dated and preserved with documented provenance, the painting represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a museum-quality example of Czech post-war art. Provenance: Originally purchased through the state art enterprise Dílo for CZK 7,000. Acquired into the private St. Martin Collection during the liquidation of the state-owned company Prefa in 1997, where it remained until the present day. Condition: Professionally conserved in 2025 by ART-PROcz. Full conservation documentation is available. The painting is preserved in very good collector's condition. Viewing: The artwork may be viewed in person during opening hours at Art Gallery Cafe in Prague prior to the auction.