CURATOR'S TIP: A typical Josef Hlinomaz work showing his unmistakable sense of humour, caricature and artistic originality. Works of this type appear only occasionally on the market and are highly sought after by collectors of Czech naïve and humorous art. This painting is an excellent example of Josef Hlinomaz's distinctive artistic humour. The artist portrays the character Snake Hunter Dr. Hrc-Prc, a bizarre scientist or adventurer surrounded by snakes. The composition combines simplified drawing, vivid colours and grotesque stylisation typical of Hlinomaz's work. The piece stands on the border between naïve art, caricature and humorous illustration. The facial expression, comic proportions and playful title create the unmistakable atmosphere of the artist's visual language. Hlinomaz's ability to combine humour with artistic expression made him one of the most original Czech artistic personalities of his generation. The work is signed and dated 1974. It comes from a private collection sharing the same provenance as the works by Josef Šíma, Václav Boštík, Jan Hála and Josef Jíra presented in this auction. The painting is offered in its original frame with matting and glazing and possesses strong decorative appeal. For collectors of Josef Hlinomaz, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic work by this beloved Czech artist.