The first Slovenian picture book (1917) by Fran Levstik /Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
Martin Krpan – illustrated book
The first illustrated version of Fran Levstik’s Martin Krpan from 1917, which was illustrated by Hinko Smrekar, in fact represents the first Slovenian picture book.
Fran Levstik (1831, Spodnje Retje–1887, Ljubljana),
writer of the fable Martin Krpan z Vrha
Writer and journalist Fran Levstik (19th Century) by Franz LainerThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
Fran Levstik was one of the most prominent figures of literary, cultural, political and public life in Slovenia in the second half of the 19th century. As a poet, writer, playwright, linguist and journalist, he was active in various fields.
He was a member of many national societies and the editor of the first Slovenian political newspaper. In the light of the struggle for national rights and advocacy for the Slovenian language, he wrote about current events, political and cultural issues, and everyday life.
The story of Martin Krpan (19th Century) by unknownThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
Slovenski glasnik
He wrote Martin Krpan z Vrha, a short tale about the eponymous folk hero, originating from Slovenian folk tradition. The story was first published by the writer Fran Levstik in the literary magazine Slovenski glasnik in 1858.
Hinko Smrekar (1883, Ljubljana–1942, Ljubljana),
illustrator of the book Martin Krpan
Artist Hinko Smrekar (cca. 1930) by unknownThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
Hinko Smrekar was a Slovenian painter, sketch artist and graphic artist, known primarily for his caricatures, satirical illustrations and pamphlets, which he created to express his criticism of the events of his time.
He lived in Vienna between 1902 and 1905. There he attended a course for secondary-school drawing teachers and joined Slovenian artists in the Vesna art club.
In 1917, he illustrated the first Slovenian picture book – Levstik’s tale Martin Krpan z Vrha. The original illustrations, which belong at the very top of Slovenian illustration art, are kept in the Miran Jarc Library in Novo Mesto.
A story about Martin Krpan, the strongest man in the country
Cover illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
Martin Krpan – story
The story is taking us to a time when Slovene territory was a part of Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Martin Krpan z Vrha is a fable about the eponymous folk hero of the herculean strength - seemingly a simple peasant who is secretly involved in smuggling English salt.
One day, an imperial carriage crosses his path, and Krpan lifts his diminutive mare and puts her to the side of the road to make way for the carriage.
Soon afterwards, the city of Vienna falls victim to a rampaging giant by the name of Brdaus, who no one can defeat. The emperor remembers Krpan’s incredible strength and has him summoned to Vienna.
Krpan then defeats Brdaus and is rewarded with a pouch of gold coins and permission to legally transport English salt.
The story in 12 pictures illustrated by Hinko Smrekar
Cover illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
Cover illustration of the first Slovenian picture book Martin Krpan published in 1917.
First illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"He quickly hoisted his mare and cargo along with her, and placed her on the side of the snowy path so that the carriage would not crush her."
Second illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"The giant was not soft-hearted, and slew whoever he could subdue."
Third illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"With a fierce look, he grabbed the first man and beat the second with him, and so on, until all fifteen lay on the ground feet up in the air."
Fourth illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"Krpan drove swiftly on until they came to the Emperor's court."
Fifth illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"Krpan selected one weapon and then another, but everything he took into his hands crumbled to pieces."
Sixth illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"Krpan hammered and hammered, and squeezed the bellows with all his might."
Seventh illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"He went into the Emperor's garden and felled a thriving young linden tree that stood above a stone table."
Eighth illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"Martin pulled each one by the tail and across the threshold of the stable."
Ninth illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"All the Emperor's horsemen and riders tried, but none could move the mare from the spot."
Tenth illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"This said, he slowly lifted his axe and sliced off Brdaus's head."
Eleventh illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
"The Empress said all of this and promptly returned to her chambers."
Twelfth illustration of Martin Krpan (20th Century) by Hinko SmrekarThe Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
""Safe journey!" replied the Emperor, and Minister Gregor said not a word."
The presented material is part of the special collections of the Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto.
Selection and text: Mateja Kambič
Editing: Alenka Murgelj
Translation: Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto
Proofreading: Darja Peperko Golob (Slovene)
The Miran Jarc Public Library Novo mesto, 2023
