Paja Jovanović
Painter and academician
From his native Vršac to European galleries: a leading name in Serbian painting.
Born in Vršac, he linked his art with the town’s everyday life through the Vršac Triptych.
Life and work
Pavle Paja Jovanović built a European artistic career while remaining closely connected with Serbian history and everyday subjects. His work includes historical compositions, scenes of daily life and portraits. He became a member of the academy of arts and later of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Migration of the Serbs is among his best-known paintings. The Vršac Triptych, shown at the 1896 Millennium Exhibition in Budapest, has particular meaning for his hometown.
Explore this connection through the town’s museum collections and the Pharmacy on the Stairs. Check the current display before visiting.
What we remember them for
- Historical paintings, portraits and scenes of everyday life.
- The Vršac Triptych at the 1896 Millennium Exhibition.
- A member of artistic and scientific academies.
Places connected with this story
Sources and further reading
- SANU — Pavle Paja Jovanović
- RTV — Seoba Srba kroz istoriju i umetnost
- Turistička organizacija Srbije — Vršac i Bela Crkva
Sources checked: 24.10.2026.
