Monument to Brač inventor Mario Puratić, authored by academic sculptor Lovre Jakšić

- among the recent works of our academic sculptor Lovre Jakšić, the monument to Mario Puratić stands out — the inventor of the famous fishing winch that fundamentally changed the way fishing vessels operate around the world. This portrait sculpture, installed in Sumartin — the inventor’s birthplace — was created from white Brač stone, further symbolising the connection between the island, its people, and tradition. The monument consists of a life-size figure representing Mario’s portrait in stone, shown in a standing pose, with one hand resting on the winch structure. His face was carefully modelled based on archival photographs, with a characteristic expression of gentleness and thoughtfulness — an important detail in the portrait-forming process. The other hand remains sketched — still “unshaped” from the stone — as a symbol of the inexhaustible value of his invention. The sculpture is crafted from a single block of stone, combining finely finished surfaces of the face and clothing with rustic, rough segments of the pedestal. This creates a visual contrast between the finished work and the raw material, emphasising both the sculptor’s hand and the message of a union between nature and technology. The location of the monument is especially meaningful — placed on the waterfront, with a view of the sea and fishing boats, many of which still use Puratić’s winch. In this way, the stone portrait of Mario gains an added dimension — it becomes a lasting monument in a public space, in dialogue with the environment and the community it belongs to. The Mario Puratić monument is another remarkable example of how a stone figure in a public space can carry a powerful message, while also showcasing the highest level of sculptural skill and respect for the person it represents.