Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

“Mother and Child” – Monumental Stone Sculpture at the Split Maternity Hospital

- the monumental stone sculpture “Mother and Child”, created by sculptor Lovre Jakšić and installed in the new Maternity Ward of the University Hospital Centre Split (KBC Split), stands as one of the most significant new works of public art in Dalmatia. Selected by a professional jury, the sculpture occupies a symbolic and central position at the entry to the hospital — a place where countless new lives begin. Jakšić’s distinctive sculptural language, marked by soft volumes, reduced forms, and a strong sense of stylisation, is fully expressed in this work. The sculpture depicts a female figure holding a child — but the child is represented in negative, carved as a recessed form within the stone. This void symbolises the moment of separation, when a newborn leaves the mother’s body and begins its independent journey. Carved from white Brač limestone, the sculpture contrasts polished surfaces with rough textures, creating a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and material. This duality emphasises the emotional depth of the piece — the gentleness of motherhood expressed through a monumental, enduring medium. Despite its size, the sculpture maintains a sense of warmth and graceful flow, giving the space a feeling of tranquillity and dignity. The project was realised in collaboration with the Rotary Club Split, with material donations from Jadrankamen, while Jakšić executed the artistic work in its entirety. “Mother and Child” is a powerful example of contemporary sculptural practice in public space — an artwork that embodies themes of love, origin, protection, and the profound meaning of life’s beginning.