Introduction
Moravia is home to one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world. Moravia was also home to the Hussite movement, founded and led by Jan Hus in early 15th century Bohemia. Additionally, Moravia is home to a pilgrimage of Saint Anthony. Deep religious culture and tradition saturated life in Moravia and Uprka worked to immortalize it in his work. This immortalization is pertinent to remembering religious tradition and devotion preceding the takeover of the Soviets.
Uprka’s artworks depicted the interior of church scenes, pious girls and women, and everyday devotees of the Christian church. His depictions provide insight into clothing associated with worship, often utilizing the color white with both men and women.
Untitled (A woman in prayer, a study for the Slav Mother of God Tiptych/Slovanska Bohorodica), 1925, Watercolor on paper, 25.5 x 17.5"
JOŽKA S KOSÁRKY (Uprka's oldest son Josef (Jožka) with new feathers (decoration on his hat - kosárky),1900/1918, Etching on paper, 17 x 13 1/4"
Study for the altarpiece Virgin Mary with Jesus, 1894, Oil on canvas, 19 x 14 inches
Untitled (A man standing with a religious book, a study for the Slav Mother of God Triptych/Slovanska Bohorodica), 1929, Mixed media and charcoal on paper, 21 2/3 x 15 1/3"
Untitled (A young boy with his Easter rattle/vrzgač, possibly from the Hornacko Region), 1891, Oil on panel,10 x 5.5"
Worship in the Church, 1890 oil on canvas, 59,5 × 41 cm
Untitled (a man kneeling in prayer, a study for the Slav Mother of God Tiptych/Slovanska Bohorodica), 1932, Charcoal on paper, 23 x 15"
Untitled (A woman kneeling in prayer), a study for the Slav Mother of God Triptych/Slovanska Bohorodica), 1936, Watercolor on paper, 23 1/2 x 15 1/2"
Untitled (A study of a girl at church with Baxus Wreath/ZKostela, Veseli Region, 1894, Oil on canvas, 13 x 12"
X Vystava (The promotion for the 10th exhibition of the Association of Moravian Artists, Corpus Christi procession in the Hornacko Region, Velká nad Velickou), 1913, Lithograph, 45 x 23"
Untitled (Man standing with a coat on shoulder, a study for the Slav Mother of God Triptych/Slovanska Bohorodica), Early 20th century, Mixed media on paper, 20 x 16"
Untitled (A woman sitting in field with a religious book at St. Anthony's Pilgrimage), Early 20th century, Oil on board, 8 1/3 x 8 1/3"
Girl Seated in the Garden with a Prayer Book, 1925 c., Watercolor on paper, 9 x 11 1/4"
Untitled (Brother Zvolsky, a patron of the artist, Order of the Holy Cross Prague), 1887, Oil on canvas, 22 x 18 1/2"
Girl from Myjava Kneeling with Prayer Book, 1929, Charcoal & watercolor on paper, 23 x 16.5"
Untitled (An older man from Vlčnov with a religious book, a study for the Slav Mother of God Triptych/Slovanska Bohorodica), Early 20th century, Watercolor on paper, 20 x 16"