Vasilije's Devotional Gift to his America-based Teta's

Likely stemming from the strong devotion to his mother Fanche, Vasilije has made several gifts to his Aunt's in America. Martin's only child Vasilije has books of his works published through out Europe in his lifetime. Do an internet search on Vasilije Josip Jordan and you will find the several books written of his active painting career as well as the galleries carrying his work. One example is Apolon Gallery. They also feature Vasilije's wife Dragice (see her listing at Apolon and search for her book as well). He spent many years in the Art Department of the University of Zagreb.

Vasilije's work is classified as Sureal by most with dark overtones reflecting the life he experienced growing up in a war torn area with a large extended family torn apart in many directions (see the Jordan Baznik stories). Depicted here is Vasilije next to some of his paintings hanging in his house during a visit in 1985.


Vasilije has always been very welcoming to his Teta Betty, Teta Tonka, and Teta Franca from America on their visits over the years. Here we see Vasilije and Betty together in Zagreb in 1985. Betty was there in 1967 and 1988 as well. In 1947, Betty was turned away at the border after seeing Justa on the other side near Trieste. Vasilije knows French and some Italian due to his efforts in the European art scene; but has never had the need or occasion to pick up English.


What makes Vasilije special with some of the Jordan Baznik grandkids is the heirloom gifts he gave to his Aunt's. A "picture postcard" painting he made of Bled. There are three copies known — one given to each Aunt. Tonka's is with her son Louis, Betty's with her daughter Betty, and Franca's copy location is not known at this time. While Vasilije fought hard not to paint such a postcard like painting in the first place, and struggled to complete the work the way Betty wanted, he did complete and deliver it to her and eventually her sisters.

The painting stands out as his most important work to family members. It demonstrates the devotion to his heritage and elder family members that survived through the terrible journey and toll the family had to endure through the war years and years following. A toll that included much loss of life including his own fathers and that of many Uncles and Aunts. The picture-postcard painting was so difficult because of Vasilije's dark, surreal tendencies and style. But Betty insisted and, for those who knew her and her sisters, the big three usually got their way. According to Betty, he added the dark border of grasses and limbs on the left edge to give just a hint of his normal tone. His signature appears in this area in the upper left.


It is reported in March 2010 by Bob and Joe Kastelic that they believe Vasilije also painted the original cottage the Jordan kids were born in. It is believed in the possession of their sister Bernadette.