Franz Šedivý

Danish illustrator

Janus Laurentius Ridter
Photograph of Janus Laurentius Ridter
Born	(1864-12-02)2 December 1864 Prague, Austria-Hungary
Died	20 April 1945(1945-04-20) (aged 80) Frederiksberg, Denmark
Nationality	Danish
Known for	Illustrator

Franz Šedivý (2 December 1864 – 20 April 1945) was a Danish illustrator most known for his detailed bird's-eye view prospects. He worked for many of the leading newspapers and magazines of his time. His work was also featured on postcards, advertisements and in schoolbooks.

Early life and education

Šedivý was born on 2 December 1864 in Prague, the son of xylographer Franz Joseph Sedivý and Therese Josephine Sadlo. He was educated as a lithographer and draughtsman from Hoffenberg & Trap in 1883. He was also following classes in drawing at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1882.^[1]

Career

Šedivý worked for Illustreret Tidende from 1884. He became known for his large and extremely detailed bird's-eye view panoramas of Danish towns, districts and other localities.^[2]

He worked for Familie Journalen in 1895-1911 and as a freelancer for the magazines Nutiden, Nordstjernen and Hjemmet as well as for the newspapers Politiken and Berlingske Tidende.^[3]

He was also active as an illustrator of school books through thefirm Alfred Jacobsens Litografiske Etablissement. He was also creating scenografy for puppet theatre and. His work was also popular as motids on postcards and Christmas cards, for instance from Stenders Kunstforlag.