Zdeněk Košler

Zdeněk Košler (March 25, 1928 – July 2, 1995), Czech conductor, who played an important role in Czech musical life of the second half of 20th century, notably during the sixties and the eighties. He was particularly well known as an opera conductor. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Košler and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1981 / Zdeněk Košler conducting The Czech Philharmonic in Symphony No 8 in G major, Opus 88 by Antonín Dvořák."

Zdeněk Košler was well-known outside Czechoslovakia, as he made concert tours to England, Austria, USA, and Canada. He toured most often to Japan, where he performed with various orchestras thirty times.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.