Jiří Trnka 1912 – 1969

Biography

Jiří Trnka was born on February 24, 1912, in Plzeň, a city in the heart of Bohemia. From an early age, he demonstrated exceptional artistic talent across multiple creative disciplines. Throughout his lifetime, Trnka became recognized as a versatile and accomplished artist whose work spanned animation, illustration, painting, and sculpture. His contributions to the arts extended beyond personal creation; he also shared his knowledge and passion with the next generation as a university educator.

Trnka’s career was marked by innovation and dedication to his craft. Working as a director and scriptwriter, he brought stories to life through his unique artistic vision. His experience as a scenographer further demonstrated his comprehensive understanding of visual composition and design. The breadth of his talents—from animator to sculptor—reflected a creative spirit unwilling to be confined to a single medium.

On December 30, 1969, Trnka passed away in Prague, leaving behind a legacy of artistic achievement and influence. He was laid to rest in Plzeň Central Cemetery in Doubravka, returned to the city of his birth. Though his life was relatively brief, Trnka’s multifaceted contributions to Czech art and culture endured as a testament to his vision and skill.