František Hudeček (1909–1990) was one of the most important representatives of Czech modern art of the 20th century and a founding member of Group 42. His work is characterised by a fascination with the modern city, nocturnal landscapes, the solitary human figure and the relationship between man and the environment of modern civilisation. Figures, dated 1947, is a highly characteristic example of František Hudeček's post-war figurative painting and is closely related to his celebrated cycle of Night Walkers. Two strongly stylised figures occupy a nocturnal urban environment framed by architecture and illuminated windows. Their bodies are constructed from geometric planes and linear structures while retaining a striking human and emotional presence. Hudeček contrasts the deep blue tones of the city with an intensely illuminated space between the figures. Passages of red, yellow, blue and white create an almost stained-glass effect. The two figures lean towards one another, lending the composition an intimacy rarely encountered in the solitary Night Walker motif. The urban environment is not merely a backdrop but an active element of the pictorial narrative. The geometric pavement reinforces the perspective and draws the viewer directly into the nocturnal scene. Created in 1947, the painting belongs to a crucial period in Hudeček's career, when he was one of the key figures associated with Group 42. An extensive expert assessment by art historian Mgr. Vlasta Čiháková Noshiro, Ph.D., places the painting within the development of Hudeček's Figures and Walkers and confirms its art-historical significance, authenticity, date of execution and authentic signature. The painting is signed lower left “Fr. Hudeček 47”. According to the expert assessment, the work was restored following minor damage and subsequently reframed. It comes from family ownership and later a private collection. The work is accompanied by the expert assessment and a notarised copy dated 6 October 2022. CURATOR’S TIP: An exceptionally attractive work by Hudeček from 1947, a key period of his career associated with Group 42. The painting belongs directly to the thematic circle of Figures and Night Walkers, while its significance is further supported by an extensive expert assessment. The combination of a strong subject, documented provenance and confirmed authenticity makes it one of the notable lots of the auction. FOR INVESTORS: Works by František Hudeček from the 1940s, particularly those connected with the iconography of the Night Walker, figures and the modern city, belong to the most significant parts of his oeuvre. In this case, the 1947 date and characteristic subject are complemented by a detailed expert assessment confirming authenticity, dating and the artist's signature and placing the work within the development of his oeuvre. From a collector's perspective, this is therefore a particularly well-documented work from a key period of the artist's career. The starting price of CZK 250,000 leaves attractive room for competitive bidding.