Bidspirit auction | 20th C Oil Painting of

20th C Oil Painting of Wild Horses - This mid-century abstract oil painting on canvas by Mladin Zarubica depicts a dynamic scene of wild horses on a white background, executed with expressive brushstrokes and bold movement. Signed ”Mladin Zarubica” at the lower right, this piece is believed to date from the 1950s or 1960s.Housed in a period wood frame, the painting measures 26 x 20 inches and 25.5 x 32 inches framed.The painting and frame are in good overall condition with age expected wear (note there is minor discoloration in the clouds) with only minor scuffs on the frame. Included with the sale are copies of two books related to Zarubica, adding historical significance.Though best known as the author of the spy novel Year of the Rat and as a Coca-Cola scientist who helped develop ”White Coke” for Soviet Russia, Zarubica?s work as a painter remains largely undocumented, making this a rare and intriguing find. These two books will accompany the sale of this painting.Mladin Sako Zarubica was a UCLA graduate and decorated U.S. Navy lieutenant, commanding PT 360 in World War II, leading operations from Guadalcanal to Manila Bay. After the war, he managed Coca-Cola?s expansion in Europe, later working in banking and public relations, earning a Freedom?s Foundation Award. He also played a role in the creation of a clear Coca-Cola for Soviet Marshal Zhukov. Settling in Los Angeles, he co-founded a construction firm and remained active in business until his passing in 1995 at age 78.