Fotograf Magazine

The Czech-American, Drahomír Josef Růžička (1870-1960) has gone down in the annals of Czech photography as a figure of great importance. As late as the mid-1960s his estate prompted the following lines: ”Until now, Růžička was ranked in the history of Czech photography above Drtikol, since his influence on younger artists was more direct. What escaped notice, however, was that Růžička was above all – and I am tempted to say ”only“ – a mediator. He brought from America the message of Pictorialism, which made a great impression on the young Czech photography. […] While Růžička mediated the creative achievement of others to our lands, Drtikol is and was able to represent our creativity abroad.“^1/