The aim of the expanded permanent exhibition of painter Dominik Skutecký is to provide an immersive experience of the artist’s work while also highlighting the unique genius loci of the authentic site of Skutecký’s historic villa and garden. The project is designed to be accessible to disadvantaged groups, who often experience cultural and social isolation. Thanks to the grant program of the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, “Culture of Disadvantaged Groups” for 2023, the project “Gallery for All / Making Cultural Values of the Villa Dominika Skuteckého Accessible to the Visually, Hearing, and Mentally Impaired” was implemented. Its goal is to improve the accessibility and comprehensibility of the presented cultural values and artworks for disadvantaged individuals by introducing elements of informational accessibility within the Skutecký Villa. The supportive accessibility features and educational materials will facilitate effective mediation of art and have the potential to deepen interactions with artworks. It is anticipated that the new interactive elements will also engage regular visitors. We believe that the “open gallery space” will become an appealing and sought-after venue for additional target audiences and potential visitors.
The Dominik Skutecký Villa, with its exhibition, carries the cultural and artistic legacy of painter Skutecký, who emphasized the importance of cultural tradition, particularly Italian Renaissance, and the study of art history for artistic development. Dominik Skutecký (originally David Skutezky, February 9, 1849, Gajary – February 15, 1921, Banská Bystrica) holds a significant place in Slovak art history primarily for his traditional painting skills, which were rooted in his study of Renaissance Italian painting. His predominantly genre-based work is characterized by the luminist (Impressionist) light effects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and meticulous “meisterstück” (masterpiece) detail. His works vividly depict period scenes of everyday life, from genre scenes set against picturesque Venetian architecture to well-known market scenes from Banská Bystrica’s square and industrial themes featuring coppersmiths working in the dimly lit copper hammer mill. After years of working primarily in Venice and Vienna, Skutecký settled in Banská Bystrica, where he built a villa with a spacious upstairs studio to accommodate his growing family. The Neo-Renaissance-style villa was likely designed by the artist himself. Its facade is adorned with a unique, richly detailed sgraffito decoration, featuring medallions of prominent Renaissance masters Raphael and Titian.
The permanent exhibition installation presents the life of the painter and his family through themed rooms. The HALL OF ITALIAN ART showcases the artist’s studies and work in Venice, his cityscapes, and narrative scenes of renowned Venetian churches and corners. Skutecký’s most famous work, Market in Banská Bystrica, accompanied by preserved artifacts, leads visitors into the next exhibition space. The SALON reflects the bourgeois culture of the late Habsburg monarchy. Paintings depicting local society in markets and parks are complemented by large-format portraits of the imperial couple and notable local figures such as Baroness Radvánszka and patron Teofil Stadler. On the opposite side of the salon, more intimate family portraits illustrate the painter’s personal history. The STUDIO reveals the evolution of Skutecký’s painting and technique, from his academic beginnings and studies of Renaissance painting methods to his later explorations of luminist (Impressionist) light effects. Particularly remarkable is his extensive painting cycle documenting the traditional work of coppersmiths in the old Banská Bystrica hammer mill, capturing the dynamic effects of furnace flames. The STUDY ROOM is reserved for temporary exhibitions and showcases the work of Skutecký’s talented descendants. The WINTER GARDEN serves as a relaxing zone for creative activities and social games.
A permanent exhibition dedicated to the painter was first established in his villa in 1994 when the interiors were reconstructed and adapted for exhibition purposes. The intention behind the reinstallation and renovation carried out between 2020 and 2022 was to present the villa as an authentic environment of Skutecký’s creative life, while also acknowledging the memory layers and transformations of the building for various uses. The limited archival documentation (family photographs and paintings capturing the villa’s interior and studio) and period references were instrumental in partially reconstructing and completing the interiors. These changes included modifications to lighting, windows, heating units, the interior historicizing wooden staircase, and partial restoration of terrazzo floors. As part of the functional furnishing, a replica of the artist’s painting podium was created for the studio, while the salon was complemented with antique furniture from the family collection of the painter’s grandson, writer, and playwright Peter Karvaš. Instead of a passive gallery display, the exhibition creates a period-inspired environment designed for visitors to comfortably engage in creative activities, cultural experiences, and accompanying temporary exhibitions.
Venue: Dominik Skutecký Villa, Horná 55, Banská Bystrica Opening: February 15, 2024, at 17:00 / Thursday Permanent Exhibition Concept: Katarína Minka Baraníková Restorer: Miroslav Slúka Exhibition Furnishings: Maroš Semančík Professional Collaboration and Project Coordination: Mgr. Jozef Balužinský Accessibility Elements: PhDr. Ildikó Gúziková, Ing. Vladimír Maroš Consulting Art Historians: Klára Kubičková, Katarína Beňová, Zuzana Leškanič Majlingová
Realized with financial support from the Arts Support Fund, the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, and the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region.
