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Monument to Stjepan Filipović

Monument to Stjepan Filipović, also known as the Monument to the Fighters of the Revolution or the Valjevo Monument, is a memorial in Valjevo, Serbia. It was created by Serbian sculptor Vojin Bakić and unveiled on 23 October 1960. The work was inspired by a famous photograph of Stevan Filipović raising his fists and addressing the crowd shortly before his execution in 1942. Dedicated to Filipović and the Partisan fighters from the Valjevo region, the monument stands on Vidrak Hill above the city. The surrounding area was landscaped as a memorial park, and the sculpture is protected as a cultural monument.

Monument to Stjepan Filipović seen from below, with the figure raising both arms against a cloudy sky.
The Monument to Stjepan Filipović is shown from a low angle, emphasizing the figure’s raised arms and defiant pose.
September 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Monument to Stjepan Filipović, a silver-toned faceted statue with raised clenched fists on a graffiti-marked base against the sky.
The Monument to Stjepan Filipović rises above the landscape, shown here as a large abstract figure with raised fists.
© Adam Radosavljevic · CC BY-SA 3.0
Monument to Stjepan Filipović, a tall abstract concrete statue with raised arms above a lit pedestal arch and silhouetted figure.
The Monument to Stjepan Filipović rises above a glowing archway, framed by trees at dusk.
April 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Silhouetted Monument to Stjepan Filipović with arms raised and fists clenched against a bright sky
The Monument to Stjepan Filipović is shown in dramatic backlight, emphasizing its raised arms and defiant pose.
March 2023 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Small bronze model of the Monument to Stjepan Filipović with raised clenched fists on a pedestal, shown before a large black-and-white background photo of the monument.
Bronze model of the Monument to Stjepan Filipović displayed in front of a background photograph of the monument.
December 2013 © · CC0

Identification

TitleMonument to the Fighters of the Revolution in Valjevo
TypeMemorial monument
Alternative namesMonument to Stevan Filipović; Valjevo Monument; Monument of Stevan Filipović; Valjevac; Monument to Stjepan Filipović

Historical context

Dedicated toStevan Filipović and the Partisan fighters from the Valjevo region who fought in the National Liberation War during World War II

Creator

SculptorVojin Bakić

Discovery and provenance

InspirationA photograph of Stevan Filipović’s final moments before his execution, showing him raising his fists and calling on the people to continue the struggle
Execution date in inspiration22 May 1942
Site historyThe site was formerly an old municipal and military cemetery with burials of soldiers and hospital staff who died from typhus during the early years of World War I

Physical characteristics

MaterialsAluminum and other metals

Appearance

StyleTransition toward abstraction, with crystallized form and cubist principles

Location and ownership

Protection statusProtected cultural monument of the Republic of Serbia
Protection identifierSK 449
LocationVidrak Hill plateau on the right bank of the Kolubara River, overlooking Valjevo, Serbia
Visible nearby featuresSeveral older gravestones remain visible near the monument
Current settingThe surrounding area is landscaped as a memorial park

History and restoration

Unveiling date23 October 1960
InaugurationThe monument was inaugurated by Edvard Kardelj and Josip Broz Tito; the exact date is not given in the source fragment
Edvard Kardelj's role at inaugurationPresident of the Federal Executive Council
Josip Broz Tito's role at inaugurationPresident of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Significance

Artistic significanceMarks a significant stage in Bakić’s creative development after his break with socialist realism
Art historical assessmentConsidered one of Bakić’s most iconic and influential works