Last night, the Petrović Castle hosted a literary evening with PhD Sonja Tomović Šundić, where the author presented her book, “Njegoš in Visual Arts”. The event was part of the celebration of Njegoš’s Day, a Montenegrin cultural holiday.

In conversation with Suzana Popović, MCAM’s literary advisor, Tomović Šundić explained her decision to complement her research on Njegoš with a visual portrayal of his complex individuality, aiming to highlight the clerical, regal, sacred, and secular aspects of his personality.

“Focusing on 19th-century portraits, I would emphasize the classical academic style seen in the portraits by Jožef Tominc and Johann Bacher, and the abstract approach in 20th-century visual artists’ works,” she noted.

The author particularly emphasized the value of visual achievements in understanding the hidden spiritual traits of the poet-philosopher, who left an indelible mark on Montenegrin culture. Through visual representations, one can gain a more comprehensive understanding of his complex intellect, character, and psychological traits, all suggested in the artistically painted portraits.

“I believe that through visual arts, Njegoš’s intriguing personality can be more profoundly grasped, as portraits created across different eras not only have aesthetic value but also hold historical and documentary validity, serving as a serious study tool for deeper understanding of the layers of the poet’s character, creative imagination, intellect, and philosophical view of existence,” she said.

“Njegoš in Visual Arts” is Sonja Tomović Šundić’s latest book, inspired by her exploration of the impact of Montenegro’s great poet Petar II Petrović Njegoš on visual art. Tomović Šundić examines how Njegoš, his ideas, and especially his works “The Light of the Microcosm”, “The Mountain Wreath”, and “The False Emperor Šćepan Mali”, have influenced artists from different epochs. In the book, Njegoš is portrayed through various forms of artistic representation, including portraits, illustrations, sculptures, and other forms of creative expression.

Professor PhD Sonja Tomović Šundić is a full professor at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Montenegro. Her primary field of expertise is philosophy, including disciplines such as anthropology, ethics, and aesthetics. Within philosophical anthropology, she also delves into political and cultural anthropology. She is the author of several scientific monographs, studies, and books in philosophy, including her most notable works: “Studies and 4Essays in Anthropology”, “The Problem of Reception in Contemporary Aesthetic Theories”, “The Ethics of Human Rights”, “Identity and Values”, “Njegoš’s Philosophy of Man”, “The Literary Works of Borislav Pekić”, “Njegoš’s Perception of Beauty”, “The Grand Inquisitor in Dostoevsky’s Work”, and “Aristotle’s Concept of Philosophy and Plato’s Anthropological Idea”.

During the literary evening, the audience also had the opportunity to view works by Miodrag Dado Đurić, part of MCAM’s collection.