Ljubimec z dolgim vratom. Motiv Lede z labodom v slovenski likovni umetnosti 20. stoletja

This article presents the thesis that the motif of Leda and the Swan, which had a remarkable impact on the arts in the modern era (especially in the period between the Renaissance and the end of the twentieth century), represents one of the most significant Ancient motifs in twentieth-century Slovenian painting. Comparing works of fine arts with European models, comparative research on Slovenian artists’ works, and motif analysis disclose reasons for its popularity in Slovenian ethnic territory and reveal both the stereotyped and original content and the messages incorporated into the motif. Not only have some of the most eminent figures in Slovenian painting (e.g., Jožef Tominc, Anton Ažbe, France Kralj, Stojan Batič, Metka Krašovec, Rudi Španzel, and Marko Jakše) dedicated themselves to the motif, but the creations of numerous lesser-known artists (e.g., Samo Kralj, Jože Meglič, and Marina Bahovec) have also been particularly influenced by the motif of Leda and the Swan.