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Czech Iconography Study Notes

Introduction to Czech Iconography

  • Overview of the historical, artistic, and architectural significance of Prague.

Literature Influences on Czech Iconography

  • Important literary sources that influenced Czech iconography include:

    • Homer: Writings such as the Iliad and Odyssey.

    • Ovid: Known for Metamorphoses, which discusses transformations and myths.

    • Vergil: His work Aeneid is significant for its epic narrative and themes.

    • Historical Texts:

    • Lives of Alexander the Great and the Roman Emperors.

    • Works by Pausanias, Pliny the Elder.

    • Biblical Texts:

    • Old Testament and New Testament narratives.

    • Apocryphal Gospels — texts not included in the canonical Bible.

    • Legends of Saints, including ones by Jacob de Voragine: Golden Legend.

    • Theological Works:

    • Significant authors include St. Augustine, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas.

    • Chronicles and Histories: Provides a historical context for iconography.

    • Cesare Ripa: Iconologia, which lays down the principles of iconography.

    • Encyclopedies of Emblems, Allegories, and Symbols: Detailed symbol meanings used throughout iconography.

    • Fiction and Psychoanalytic Texts: Expand on the themes present in visual works.

    • Diaries and Correspondence, providing personal reflections related to the themes in Czech iconography.

Iconographic Works and Themes

Madonna of Zbraslav (Mid 14th Century)

  • Represents Virgin Mary; features significant iconographic elements.

    • Touching Together: Symbolizes the relationship between Virgin Mary and Jesus.

    • Mystical Marriage: Concept of Virgin Mary as the bride of the Word.

    • Goldfinch: Represents the Crucifixion.

    • Stars: Referred to as Stella Maris; ties to Bernard of Clairvaux and the Cistercian Order.

    • Zbraslav: Location of the Cistercian Monastery, tying historical and architectural significance.

    • Wedding Ring: Known as Sponsa Verbi (Bride of the Word).

    • Crown: Depicted as Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven).

Christological Cycle (Master of Vyšší Brod Altarpiece)

  • Artwork located in Prague, created in the mid-14th century, depicting significant events in Christ's life:

    • Annunciation: Gabriel announces to Mary she will bear Jesus.

    • Nativity: Birth of Jesus.

    • Epiphany: Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi.

    • Mount of Olives: Scene of prayer before crucifixion.

    • Crucifixion: Depiction of Jesus's death on the cross.

    • Deposition: The removal of Jesus’s body from the cross.

    • Resurrection: Christ rising from the dead.

    • Ascension: Christ ascending to heaven.

    • Pentecost: The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

Passion of Christ (Týn Church, Late 14th Century)

  • A series or depiction relating to Christ's suffering, further emphasizing the emotional core of Christian iconography.

Last Judgement (Cathedral of St. Vitus, 1373)

  • Artwork depicting the final judgement day, demonstrating themes of eschatology and eternal destiny in Christian belief.

Votiv Painting of Jan Očko of Vlašim (Around 1371)

  • Depicts significant saints and historical figures in Czech history:

    • St. Wenceslas

    • St. Ludmila

    • St. Adalbert (Vojtěch)

    • St. Vitus

    • St. Prokopius

    • St. Sigismund

    • Charles IV: Holy Roman Emperor

    • Wenceslas IV: King of Bohemia

Statues and Monuments

  • Statue of St. John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge, created in 1683, showcasing baroque influence and religious significance.

  • Monument of Jan Hus, located in the Old Town Square (1915), commemorating the key figure in Czech resistance against oppression.

  • Hussite chalice/goblet as a symbol of the Hussite movement and its theological implications.

Symbolism in Czech History

  • Crown: Represents miracles and divine power, reinforcing royalty's divine right.

  • Infant (Baby Jesus) of Prague: An important religious icon embodying faith and devotion.

  • Historical artworks like Hercules killing Hydra and Hercules killing Cerberus, depicting mythological themes significant to Czech iconography's aesthetic.

Political Iconography

  • Representations linked to Czech nationalism, including the Official banner of the President of Czech Republic and the Palacký Monument (1912) which depicts themes of resilience against oppression.

  • Discussion of national identity through symbols such as the Slavonic (Czech) linden versus the German oak.

Modern Interpretations

  • References to contemporary figures in Czech history, such as David Černý, renowned for provocative works like Dead Horse (1999).

  • Important sociopolitical contexts touched upon through various artistic expressions, including the contrast of Czech identity within historical frameworks from 1918 to post-1993.

Conclusion

  • The evolution of Czech iconography reflects a blend of religious, historical, and cultural themes pivotal to understanding Czech art and architectural heritage.