Tripo Kokolja Painter Date of Birth: 28.02.1661 Country: Dive

1. Tripun Kokolic: A Baroque Master of the Eastern Mediterranean
2. Commissioned Masterpieces: Church of Our Lady of the Rocks
3. Portraits and Landscapes
4. Later Years and Legacy

Tripun Kokolic: A Baroque Master of the Eastern Mediterranean

Born in the town of Perast in the Bay of Kotor, Tripun Kokolic (also known as Tripo Cocoglia) was a renowned painter of the 17th century, celebrated for his mastery of the Baroque style in the Eastern Mediterranean. He is believed to have studied painting in Venice, a hub of artistic innovation during that era.

Commissioned Masterpieces: Church of Our Lady of the Rocks

Kokolic's most notable works adorn the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, an island sanctuary across from Perast, commissioned by Archbishop Andrija Zmajević in the late 17th century. The lower row of paintings depicts prophets and sibyls, while above them are scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, including the Presentation in the Temple, Assumption, and Annunciation. The arch features the Coronation of the Virgin Mary.

The church's vaults are intricately divided into 45 segments, each adorned with scenes from the Virgin's life, as well as images of evangelists, Church Fathers, angels, and other celestial beings. Kokolic's Baroque technique is evident throughout these frescoes. Sadly, the paintings were unprofessionally restored in 1883 by local Franciscan artist Josip Rossi.

Portraits and Landscapes

Kokolic's talents extended beyond religious art. He painted portraits of prominent citizens, such as Vice Bujović and Krsto Zmajević, which are now displayed in the Perast Town Museum. He also created mural paintings for the palace of Archbishop Andrija Zmajević in 1670, which included landscapes, but these works have unfortunately been lost to time.

Later Years and Legacy

Towards the end of his life, Kokolic relocated to the island of Korčula, where he spent his remaining years. His later works include frescoes in the Dominican Church in the town of Bol on the island of Brač (currently part of Croatia).

Tripun Kokolic's Baroque masterpieces in the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks stand as a testament to his extraordinary skill. His influence on art in the Eastern Mediterranean is undeniable, and his works continue to captivate and inspire generations of art enthusiasts.