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Student Artwork Guide

Periphery

Đoko Mazalić, 1962

Name Class Date
Đoko Mazalić, Periphery (1962), National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Đoko Mazalić wahooart.com/en/artists/doko-mazalic/
Artist’s dates
1888 – 1975
Painted
1962
Medium
Oil
Original size
70 x 80 cm
Period
Modern
Held at
National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina wahooart.com/en/museums/national-gallery-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina-sarajevo/

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Đoko Mazalić died in 1975; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2045. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

Periphery — Đoko Mazalić Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Periphery — Đoko Mazalić

How big is it?

The original measures 70 × 80 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1880
  2. 1890
  3. 1900
  4. 1910
  5. 1920
  6. 1930
  7. 1940
  8. 1950
  9. 1960
  10. 1970

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 87 at death.

Painted when the artist was 74. The artist lived to 87. 21 of the 25 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Đoko Mazalić (1888–1975) ▲ this work, 1962 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1921 Main working years: 1921–1939 Late works: from 1939

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: wahooart.com/en/art/similar/doko-mazalic-periphery-D7S9PC-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Gray #808285

    Catalogued palette

    • #808285
    • #7F634C
    • #B18E56
    • #AFA496

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Gray
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Đoko Mazalić over the last twelve months — 4 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 66.7%
    2. 2 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11.1%
    3. 3 France 11.1%
    4. 4 United States of America 11.1%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 8 most looked-at works by Đoko Mazalić

    1. 1 Motif from Vranduk, 1920 20.0%
    2. 2 Landscape, 1913 20.0%
    3. 3 Conversation with Flowers, 1964 10.0%
    4. 4 Old Town, 1931 10.0%
    5. 5 Informal Settlement, 1962 10.0%
    6. 6 Periphery, 1962 this painting 10.0%
    7. 7 In the foothills of Mount Jahorina, 1956 10.0%
    8. 8 A Heroic End, 1932 10.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 25 works by this artist, of which 8 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 6 of them, with 10.0% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

    Periphery — Đoko Mazalić Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Periphery — Đoko Mazalić

    A Vibrant Tapestry of Life: Exploring Periphery

    In the evocative masterpiece Periphery, created in 1962 by the esteemed Bosnian master Đoko Mazalić, we are invited into a world where the boundaries between community and nature dissolve into a rhythmic dance of color and light. This painting serves as a breathtaking window into a bustling village scene, capturing not just a physical location, but the very pulse of communal existence. The composition is masterfully dynamic, drawing the eye through a diverse landscape of multi-colored houses and architectural silhouettes that rise against a heavy, atmospheric sky. As one gazes upon the canvas, the interplay of light and shadow suggests a moment suspended in time—a fleeting glimpse of life on the edge of the known world, where every chimney and pointed roof tells a story of domesticity and endurance.

    The technique employed by Mazalić in this later work demonstrates a profound command over texture and chromatic energy. The artist utilizes a vibrant palette that breathes life into the village structures, using varied hues to distinguish each building while maintaining a cohesive, unified atmosphere. The sky, rendered with swirling, cloudy depths, adds a layer of dramatic tension, suggesting the ever-changing moods of the natural world that surrounds this human enclave. Through his brushwork, Mazali_ić achieves a sense of movement; the scattered figures within the scene are not merely static inhabitants but appear as integral parts of a living, breathing organism. For the discerning collector or interior designer, this piece offers a sophisticated balance of complexity and harmony, making it a commanding focal point that brings both warmth and intellectual depth to any curated space.

    Historical Resonance and Emotional Depth

    To understand Periphery is to understand the legacy of Đoko Mazalić himself. As a pivotal figure in the Bosnian art scene, Mazalić’s journey from his early academic training in Budapest to his established role as a cornerstone of Sarajevo's artistic identity allowed him to develop a style that was both technically rigorous and emotionally resonant. While he is celebrated for his evocative landscapes that capture the freshness of spring and the melancholy of autumn, Periphery showcases his ability to infuse architectural subjects with a sense of human narrative. The painting transcends mere documentation; it becomes a symbolic exploration of the "periphery"—the space where civilization meets the wild, and where the individual finds their place within the collective.

    The emotional impact of the work lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia and a profound sense of belonging. There is an inherent coziness in the clustered dwellings, yet there is also a poignant awareness of the vast, unpredictable sky above. This duality makes the painting particularly captivating for those seeking art that inspires contemplation. Whether placed in a contemporary gallery setting or a classic study, a high-quality reproduction of this work serves as a tribute to the enduring spirit of community. It invites the viewer to step away from the frantic pace of modern life and reconnect with the simple, vibrant essence of a world where every color and every shape contributes to a larger, beautiful whole.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

    Periphery — Đoko Mazalić Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Đoko Mazalić

    Born in Bosanska Kostunica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    early life and education

    đoko mazalić, a renowned bosnian artist, was born in 1888 in bosanska kostajnica. he was one of the first generation of art school-trained painters, alongside notable artists like gabrijel jurkić, petar tiješić, and špiro bocarić. mazalić's artistic journey began with his studies at the academy of fine arts in budapest from 1910 to 1914.

    artistic career and style

    mazalić's body of work is characterized by its stylistic versatility and qualitative consistency. his paintings, particularly landscapes, are among his best works, showcasing his unique interpretation of nature. motif from vranduk (1920), a landscape piece, demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of the natural world. notable works:

    landscape (1913), national gallery of bosnia and herzegovina

    motif from vogošća (1930), national gallery of bosnia and herzegovina

    village under snow (1930), national gallery of bosnia and herzegovina

    teaching and legacy

    from 1923 to 1945, mazalić worked as a teacher in sarajevo, leaving an indelible mark on the art scene. his influence can still be seen in the works of younger artists who followed in his footsteps. view more works by đoko mazalić:

    đoko mazalić's artworks

    the istván dobó museum (eger, hungary) - a rich cultural heritage (featuring a different artist, but showcasing the museum's art collection)

    conclusion

    đoko mazalić's artistic legacy is a testament to his innovative approach and dedication to capturing the beauty of bosnia and herzegovina. his works continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, cementing his place in the annals of bosnian art history. related artists:

    gabrijel jurkić

    petar tiješić

    špiro bocarić

    view more:

    đoko mazalić's profile on AllPaintingsStore.com

    đoko mazalić - wikipedia

    Museum

    National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    On show in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    A Sanctuary of Resilience: The Soul of Sarajevo

    In the beating heart of Sarajevo, a city that has weathered the most profound storms of the twentieth century, stands the

    National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    as a luminous testament to the enduring power of human creativity. To walk through its doors is to enter a space where the scars of history meet the triumph of the artistic spirit, offering a profound dialogue between a turbulent past and an aspirational future. It serves as a sanctuary where the collective memory of a people is preserved within the delicate strokes of paint and the heavy textures of stone. The gallery remains a crucial platform where the echoes of history meet the pulse of the present, continuing to serve as a vital organ for a nation seeking to redefine itself through beauty and cultural continuity.

    The soul of the collection lies in its remarkable ability to weave together diverse threads of identity, ranging from the sacred to the avant-garde. Collectors and art enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the

    Ferdinand Hodler Collection

    , where the profound influence of Swiss Symbolism breathes life into landscapes that feel both deeply grounded in nature and spiritually transcendent. This ethereal quality is balanced by the robust presence of Yugoslavian Masters, whose works provide an expansive, sweeping panorama of twentieth-century trends, capturing the complex cultural shifts and the evolving identity of a region in flux. For those drawn to the weight of tradition, the gallery’s

    Icon Collection

    offers a meditative journey through Orthodox Christian heritage, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and devotional intensity of centuries of religious artistry.

    Architectural Elegance and Modernist Ambition

    The architecture of the museum itself serves as a physical manifestation of Sarajevo's modernist ambitions. Designed by the Czech architect

    Karel Pařík

    , the structure is a masterclass in symmetrical elegance, composed of four distinct pavilions that reflect the organized optimism of the post-war period. Each pavilion was originally intended to house specialized departments—archaeology, ethnology, and natural history—and today, this layout creates a rhythmic, exploratory experience for the visitor. The clean lines and modernist aesthetic provide a sophisticated backdrop that complements both the heavy textures of classical sculpture and the ephemeral nature of contemporary installations, making it an inspiring destination for interior designers seeking to understand the intersection of structural form and curated atmosphere.

    Beyond its permanent treasures, the institution distinguishes itself through its commitment to evolution. It remains a vibrant laboratory for what is yet to come, frequently engaging its audience through:

    Rotating photography exhibits

    that challenge modern social dynamics.

    Contemporary art installations

    that bridge the gap between global movements and local identity.

    A continuous dialogue

    between historical preservation and modern artistic expression.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Periphery

    wahooart.com/en/art/download/doko-mazalic-periphery-D7S9PC-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Mazalić, Đoko. Periphery. 1962, National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://wahooart.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-periphery-D7S9PC-en/
    APA
    Mazalić, Đoko (1962). Periphery [Painting]. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://wahooart.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-periphery-D7S9PC-en/
    Chicago
    Đoko Mazalić. Periphery. 1962. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://wahooart.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-periphery-D7S9PC-en/
    Harvard
    Mazalić, Đoko (1962) Periphery. National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Available at: https://wahooart.com/en/art/doko-mazalic-periphery-D7S9PC-en/

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

    Periphery — Đoko Mazalić Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Periphery — Đoko Mazalić

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Old Town (1931), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Đoko Mazalić was about 74 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

    Periphery — Đoko Mazalić Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    What technique and size is the original "Periphery" by Đoko Mazalić?

    "Periphery" was made in oil and measures 70 x 80 cm in its original form.

    Can I watch "Periphery" as a full-screen slideshow?

    A slideshow is available: the Diaporama page of "Periphery" by Đoko Mazalić.

    Does "Periphery" by Đoko Mazalić use strong contrasts or soft harmonies?

    The color composition of "Periphery" by Đoko Mazalić combines a serene contrast with a strong color unity harmony.