Museum of History

from 30. 10. 2025 to 2. 2. 2026

Ján Knjazovic was born on June 18, 1925, into a farming family in Kovačica. From early childhood, he showed a special interest in painting. His talent was first noticed during his army service when arranging wallpapers.

After returning from the army, he continued to paint and together with painters Ján Sokol, Martin Paluška, Vladimír Boboš, and Michal Bireš, established the painting section Pokrok in Kovačica. Thus, the famous Kovačica school of naive painting was born, later joined by Martin Jonáš and Zuzana Chalupová.

Ján Knjazovic led a rich artistic life. His paintings are found in major museums and private collections, including the Vatican Museum. He was the only Slovak whose painting was exhibited at the Louvre. In 1974, his Children’s Dance was reproduced on a Yugoslav postage stamp. Critics ranked him among the world’s most original painters of naive art.

Knjazovic's life motto was inspired by Exupéry’s Little Prince: “A man sees well only with his heart.” The heart also became his signature on his paintings. He died in 1985, yet his big heart continues to beat in his works.

Curator: Ján Hrk

The exhibited paintings come from the collections of Ján Hrk, Ivan Melicherčík, Knjazovic Family and the Gallery of intuitive art in Kovačica.

The exhibition is located in the exhibition space beneath the Honorary Courtyard, entrance through the Museum Shop. Free admission.