One of the most significant mid-19th-century portraits, preserving the memory of the former village of Kuman, is the portrait of Stevan Sekulić, a local notary. Painted in 1854, this artwork was created by Nikola Aleksić, a renowned Serbian painter known for his classical motifs and remarkable attention to detail. Measuring 50x60.5 cm and executed in oil on canvas, it is considered the earliest recorded portrait of a resident of Kuman.
The painting has a rich history. In 1950, it was acquired from Maja Sekulić-Čokić from Sremski Karlovci and has since been part of the collection of the Gallery of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad, cataloged under inventory number 898. Today, it is recognized as a valuable piece of Serbian cultural heritage, celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its historical significance to the local community.
The portrait of Stevan Sekulić is referenced in numerous expert publications, such as the Catalogue of Paintings and Sculptures in the Museums and Galleries of Vojvodina (Volumes I and II, 1965 and 1971), as well as in the Gallery of Matica Srpska Catalogue from 1973. This work is categorized within Serbian classicism, with Aleksić’s signature style evident in the meticulous craftsmanship and harmonious balance between realistic representation and idealization of the subject.
Stevan Sekulić, as a notary in his community, was a respected figure, and his portrait now serves as a remembrance of a time and people who left a mark on local history. This artwork not only captures the likeness of an individual but also the spirit of a historical moment, making it an invaluable piece of Vojvodina’s and Serbia’s cultural heritage.
The portrait is currently displayed at the Gallery of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad, standing as a testament to the importance of local figures in the broader context of Serbian history and art.
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