In Memoriam – Dr Mate Meštrović

Before the arrival of the new year 2026, with a profound sense of loss, we received the news of the passing of Dr Mate Meštrović, who left us forever in the 96th year of his life. Sharing in the grief of the family of the late Dr Mate Meštrović, especially his wife Rumjana, we consider it our lasting duty to preserve the memory of a man whose departure marks the passing of a part of history, as well as the last living link to one of the most significant Croatian artists – Ivan Meštrović, Mate’s father. It was a privilege to listen to his authentic recollections of his beloved father and of the entire family whose work and dedication left indelible traces across all areas of Croatian history, from the socio-political to the cultural and artistic.

Mr Meštrović bore with great responsibility both the gift and the burden, the privilege and the obligation, of being the son and heir of the great sculptor, architect, writer, publicist, politician and poet, and the greatest benefactor to the Croatian people, Ivan Meštrović.

The presence and conduct, erudition and sensitivity of Dr Mate Meštrović invariably commanded respect and served as a lasting reminder of the exceptional contribution by which his father had indebted the Croatian people. As a member and representative of the Meštrović family, he conscientiously followed the path set for him by birth and, throughout his life, as a politician, publicist, heir and patron, uncompromisingly defended his family, his people and his homeland, Croatia – first in the United States of America and, following the establishment of the Republic of Croatia, as its diplomat.

Dr Mate Meštrović was a regular guest at exhibitions in our Gallery almost from its very founding. On countless occasions we had the pleasure of enjoying his company and that of his wife Rumjana, and as a couple they form a significant part of the history of our Gallery, not only in relation to the legacy of Ivan Meštrović. We are exceptionally proud and privileged that, during the major retrospective exhibition of Ivan Meštrović held in 2023–2024 at the Klovićevi dvori Gallery, we enjoyed the full support of Mate and Rumjana Meštrović, without whose commitment and loans we could not have realised such a magnificent cultural event.

We are deeply grateful for the exceptional donation made by the Meštrović couple, thanks to which Distant Chords will resonate permanently in the ancient atrium of our Gallery, accompanied by the quiet song of angels:
Discover the secret of love / you will solve the secret of death / and believe that life is eternal.

To our dear Dr Mate Meštrović, friend and gentleman, may his soul rest in peace. May the Croatian soil lie lightly upon him.

Director and staff of the Klovićevi dvori Gallery