Antun Gustav Matos
Antun Gustav Matoš (June 13th, 1873 - March 17th, 1914) is Croatian writer best known as the representative of modernism in Croatian literature.
Matoš was born in Tovarnik, Srijem to a family of teachers. He was educated in Zagreb where he left the school in order to pursue career of military veterinarian. He couldn't stand military discipline so in 1894 he deserted from Austro-Hungarian Army and found shelter in Serbia. There he earned a living as a cellist, professional writer and journalist. In 1898 he went to Geneve, Switzerland where he stayed for a year. Then he went to Paris where he indulged himself in bohemian lifestyle for five years. Finally, in 1908 he received amnesty from Austro-Hungarian government and returned to Zagreb.
In 1910 Matoš passed teacher's exam, but he was never appointed to teaching post and spent the remainder of his years as a writer.
Matoš tried his hand in different form of writings, but he is best known as a poet who introduced modern styles to Croatian literature. His poems, full of cynicism and pessimism, were often influenced by his displeasure over position of Croatia and Croatian people within Austria-Hungary.
Matoš was also known as one of the most important literary critics of his day.
His iconic image is immortalised in a Zagreb monument, which is as unconventional as Matoš was unconventional for his contemporaries - instead of standing on pedestal, his statue sits on a bench.
Referenced By
Croatian literature
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