Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

The Vladislavić Family Monument

The new family monument created for the Vladislavić family in Mirca on the island of Brač represents a special artistic achievement within our workshop, primarily thanks to the unique sculpture that defines the emotional character of the entire piece. The monument is crafted from white Brač stone and designed according to a drawing and concept by Dražen Jakšić, whose sketch served as the foundation for an exceptionally expressive sculpture of a woman with her head bowed. This sculpture, created for the tomb, portrays a figure in a moment of quiet, dignified sorrow, with the posture, gesture of the hands, and delicately modelled folds of the dress executed with great sensitivity.

Within the field of tombstone monuments, such strong artistic accents are rare, making this work instantly recognisable. One particularly striking detail is the preserved section of the natural stone “cortex,” left unpolished to create a contrast between raw stone texture and the finely carved female figure. A subtle cross is engraved into this surface, enhancing the symbolic value of the monument.

The original drawing provided for the sculpture reveals how important the planning phase is before the actual carving begins. It shows the dynamics of the lines, the position of the figure, and the emotional tone of the work — all elements essential for a precise translation into stone.

Though the sculpture is the focal point, the monument as a whole radiates harmony. Classic horizontal slabs, refined proportions, and carefully measured profiles provide a quiet elegance that forms a perfect backdrop for the sculptural relief. The combination of polished and bush-hammered surfaces further enriches the texture and highlights the beauty of white Brač stone.

This project brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary stonework design — and demonstrates how a sculpture of a woman, when thoughtfully conceived and executed, can become a powerful symbol of memory and lasting remembrance.