Maksim Gaspari, (1883 – 1980) Slovenian painter and illustrator has been and continues to be immensely popular in his homeland. His is a priceless cultural legacy to Slovenian people, embedded principally in a huge postcard collection. He had created a unique and distinct style, and a pictorial and artistic corpus of work portraying the people of rural Slovenia in the 19th century. He drew Slovenian traditional figures such as shepherds, musicians, beggars, courting couples, Slovenian folk traditions and, festivities and customs. It is a romantic, loving and joyous portrayal, which has retained its charm and popularity in Slovenia into the 21st century. Maksim Gaspari images still appear regularly in calendars and other publications. He has notably illustrated a number of Slovenian literary works.
