Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

The monumental sculpture “Croatian Rose” unveiled in front of the Memorial Hospital in Vukovar

In the centre of Vukovar, in front of the Memorial Hospital — one of the most powerful and most sensitive places of collective remembrance — a new stone monument, a monumental large-scale sculpture entitled “Croatian Rose”, the work of our sculptor Lovre Jakšić, has been ceremoniously unveiled. This impressive public sculpture, carved from the finest white Brač stone “Sveti Petar”, was created in honour of the pregnant Ružica Markobašić and her unborn son Antun, killed at Ovčara in 1991. With this sculpture, Vukovar has gained another important symbol of remembrance and respect for the civilian victims of the Homeland War.

The monument was installed and formally unveiled at the initiative of the association Hrvatska za život, led by Ante Laljkušić, and the ceremony was officiated by the Mayor of Vukovar, Ivan Penava. The very fact that this monumental large-scale sculpture stands directly in front of the hospital — a place of sorrow, but also of hope for many families — makes it exceptionally powerful in both symbolic and emotional terms.

This stone monument depicts a pregnant woman as a universal symbol of life, tenderness, and innocence, while simultaneously reflecting the great tragedy endured by Vukovar. The artistic work of Lovre Jakšić once again confirms how stone-carving tradition, masterful craftsmanship, and sculptural expressiveness can together create a piece that communicates a deeply meaningful message. This is also the second public sculpture by our sculptor installed in Vukovar — the first was the stone bust of French volunteer Jean-Michel Nicolier, unveiled in 2015.

We are honoured that our work, created through the fusion of centuries-old craftsmanship and artistic dedication, stands in such a significant place and carries such an important message. “Croatian Rose” is not merely a monument — it is a lasting reminder of the innocence, courage, and dignity of all mothers and all innocent lives lost during the Homeland War. This monumental sculpture of white Brač stone now forms an essential part of the visual, emotional, and memorial identity of the city of Vukovar.