Prof. Ivan Mrkvicka (Ian-Vaclav Mrkvicka) - a major figure on Bulgarias post-Liberation art scene. Czech by origin, artist, professor of paiting. Studied in the Prague Academy of Arts and the Munich Art Academy. An eminent public figure. One of the authors of the BG coat of arms from the turn of the 20th century.
He was among the founders and the first teachers at the School of Painting in Sofia (Ivan Mrkvicka was the director and teacher of painting), Anton Mitov was the lecturer in history of art and Boris Schatz was the lecturer in moulding. All three received awards at the Paris Exhibition of Artistic Education in 1900 for their teaching methods.) Mrkvicka mastered the genre of painting. His historical pictures were highly realistic and deeply patriotic. His portraits were of great artistic value.