Ladislav Stoll Commemorative Bronze Plaque By J Knotek Appraisal

Ladislav Štoll Commemorative Bronze Plaque by J. Knotek

A high-relief cast bronze commemorative plaque or medal featuring the portrait of Ladislav Štoll (1902–1981), a prominent Czechoslovak Marxist literary critic and politician. The plaque is rectangular with rounded edges, measuring approximately 80mm to 100mm in height. It is crafted from a heavy base metal, likely bronze, with a deep grey-brown patina. The obverse depicts a three-quarter portrait of Štoll wearing his characteristic thick-rimmed glasses, a collared shirt, and a necktie. The background features a textured, horizontally brushed finish that creates a sense of depth around the portrait. To the left of the image, the name 'LADISLAV ŠTOLL' is embossed vertically, and to the right, the dates '1902-1981' are similarly presented. The artist's signature 'J. KNOTEK' (likely Jaroslav Knotek) is visible in small letters near the lower right shoulder of the figure. The craftsmanship is typical of the socialist-realist sculptural style of late 20th-century Eastern Europe, showing high technical skill in the facial rendering. The item is housed in its original red velvet-lined presentation case, which indicates it may have been given as an award or official gift. Condition appears excellent with minimal surface wear and no major oxidation or scratches.