Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Monument to Fallen Defenders – the monumental sculpture “Knight”, a work by academic sculptor Lovre Jakšić

- the monument to fallen defenders “Knight” is one of the most recognisable monumental sculptures created by academic sculptor Lovre Jakšić. This monumental sculpture, 220 cm in height, is carved from white Brač stone, a material long used for Croatia’s most important cultural and memorial works. The sculpture of the knight expresses strength, dignity, and symbolic pride – qualities that fully reflect the character of Croatian defenders. This monument to fallen defenders was erected by the Veterans Association of the Homeland War – Brač in the memorial park Golo brdo above Sutivan. The monument was created as a permanent expression of gratitude to the fallen Brač knights and to all defenders who lost their lives for Croatia’s freedom. In this quiet natural setting, the power of stone and the calm of the landscape merge into a dignified space of remembrance, where the monumental sculpture stands as a symbolic guardian. The monument was installed on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of expelling the heavily armed Yugoslav Navy from the Split maritime zone, a historic event in which Brač defenders played a significant role. The sculpture of the knight in white stone carries the story of courage and resilience. The form reveals a strong silhouette, an upright posture, dynamic lines and contrasts between rough and polished surfaces, giving the sculpture vitality and monumental character. The path to this monumental sculpture leads across stone slabs embedded in the ground. Each slab bears engraved dates and key events from the Homeland War, carved by hand. This creates an additional memorial sequence that guides visitors step by step towards the meaning of the monument. The slabs represent a chronology of bravery, while the sculpture of the knight represents its symbolic culmination. The monument to fallen defenders “Knight” is therefore much more than an artwork. It is a monumental sculpture, a permanent memorial and a powerful visual symbol of Brač. Created from white Brač stone by academic sculptor Lovre Jakšić, it unites art, tradition and remembrance – values that remain woven into the landscape and collective memory.