Josef Šíma (1891–1971) ranks among the most important representatives of Czech and French modern art of the 20th century. After studying in Prague, he moved to France in 1921, where he settled permanently and became an important figure on the Parisian art scene. In France he co-founded the group Le Grand Jeu and moved within the circles of prominent poets and intellectuals of his time. His distinctive work gradually developed from early figurative and landscape motifs towards a deeply meditative visual language in which light, landscape, cosmic space, crystals and geometric forms intertwine. Šíma’s work transcends the boundaries of Czech art and forms an important part of European modernism. The presented work Crystals (Composition) from 1967 is an exceptionally compelling example of Šíma’s late work. The composition is built upon a subtle system of geometric and crystalline forms floating in an indeterminate space permeated by light. Here the artist works with the motif of the crystal, which became one of the characteristic symbols in his oeuvre, representing purity, light, order and spiritual transcendence. The individual forms do not appear as solid objects, but rather as records of luminous structures or fragments of an imaginary cosmic space. Delicate colouring and sensitive layering of tones give the composition exceptional lightness and airiness. Šíma does not seek to describe concrete reality, but rather to capture its inner order and invisible energy. Geometric lines intertwine with softer areas of colour, creating tension between the precision of construction and the lyrical ambiguity of the surrounding space. The work is meditative, mysterious and at the same time strikingly modern. Despite its intimate format, the composition evokes a sense of expansive space and opens room for the viewer’s own imagination. The work dates from 1967, a mature period in the artist’s career when light and geometric structures became fundamental carriers of his artistic expression. CURATOR’S TIP: A highly compelling work by Josef Šíma featuring one of his characteristic motifs – a crystalline structure set within a luminous, almost cosmic space. The work is notable for its exceptional lightness, refined colour and ability to create a surprisingly deep spatial impression within a small format. Its 1967 date places it within the artist’s mature period and makes it an attractive collector’s example of Šíma’s unmistakable artistic world. FOR INVESTORS: Josef Šíma is a Czech artist of exceptional international significance whose oeuvre is firmly connected with both French and Czech modern art. Works featuring the characteristic elements of his mature style – light, imaginary space and crystalline or geometric structures – are particularly attractive to collectors. This 1967 work combines these qualities especially well. The starting price of CZK 120,000 represents an interesting opportunity to acquire an original work by one of the most important Czech artists active in France.