Uncover the Most Renowned Sculptures and Artists of Czechia
Matyáš Bernard Braun: Statues on Charles Bridge and in Casanova’s Favourite Church
Explore the incredible artistry of Matyáš Bernard Braun, and take a step back to the Baroque era, where art is imbued with life and spirituality. Braun’s sculptures and carvings are renowned for their intricate precision and fine detail. His creative vision was shaped by the influences of Italian Baroque art, and his remarkable sculptures and altarpieces have graced numerous churches and monasteries across Czechia and Austria.
Among his most significant works are the stunning statues and reliefs embellishing one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, the Church of St. Nicholas, along with those that grace Charles Bridge. Inside the Klementinum, you can discover his exquisite creations in St. Clement’s Cathedral. Beyond Prague, the legacy of this Baroque virtuoso can be traced through sites like Veltrusy Château, Kuks Hospital, and the Plasy Monastery. Notably, he crafted the decorations for the church at Duchcov Château, a location celebrated for hosting Casanova. Another highlight to visit is the Valeč Castle, which showcases a remarkable collection of 28 original Braun sculptures within its lapidarium, complemented by replicas displayed in the castle gardens.
David Černý: The Modern Master of Provocation
In the realm of Czech art, David Černý stands out like a beacon. His unconventional sculptures and artistic creations are often provocative and spark lively discussions. Many of his creations can be admired throughout Prague. Perhaps his most recognized piece is the mechanical head of the Prague-born writer Franz Kafka, located near Národní třída. Just a short stroll away, massive butterflies — the size of a Spitfire fighter jet — gracefully hover over the recently renovated Máj department store, lighting up beautifully at night! His latest creation can be observed just outside Kampa: a moving statue serving as a tribute to Olympic champion Věra Čáslavská. Furthermore, while wandering through Prague, you’ll encounter works like the striking Metalmorphosis, the playful statues of babies “climbing” on Kampa, and the iconic TV tower in Žižkov. Alternatively, you could visit Černý’s own gallery, Musoleum. The gifted sculptor also installed a whimsical piece in North Bohemia’s Liberec, a bus shelter dubbed the Feast of Giants, which is sure to leave an impression!
Jaroslav Róna: Fantastic Giraffes and a Bronze Kafka
Dive into the captivating universe of Jaroslav Róna, where the essence of art reflects the human spirit. As you stroll through Prague, you’ll encounter Róna’s works, which adeptly portray a multitude of human experiences and societal themes. Be sure not to miss the memorial dedicated to Franz Kafka in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, or the enchanting sculpture of the fantastic giraffe located in Pankrác.
If you’re keen to see Róna’s artistic contributions beyond Prague, a trip to Brno would be incredibly rewarding. One of the standout attractions in Moravské náměstí is his remarkable statue of Margrave Jobst. Róna’s creations consistently convey emotion and provoke thought, reflecting his singular and expressive perspective on the world.
Modern Sculptures and Public Art in Brno: Brno is a vibrant city for discovering modern sculptures and contemporary public art. The most fascinating pieces can be found clustered around Moravské náměstí, Malinovského náměstí, náměstí Svobody, Jakubské náměstí, Dominikánské náměstí and the vicinity of Špilberk. Highlights in the city include the Tribute to Edison, the striking Horse Rider sculpture, the playful Mozart statue, and the remarkable astronomical clock located on náměstí Svobody. Furthermore, Brno routinely integrates contemporary art into public spaces through Brno Art Open, transforming outdoor areas into temporary galleries for all to enjoy.
Olbram Zoubek: A 20th-century Czech Sculptural Genius
If you seek an artistic journey that captures the essence of 20th-century Czech sculpture, the works of Olbram Zoubek are a must-see. His sculptures are displayed in various collections and public spaces across Prague, Litomyšl, and other cities in Czechia. Notably, during the turbulent Prague Spring of 1968, Zoubek created the death mask of student Jan Palach, who self-immolated in protest against the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. This powerful symbol of the Czech struggle against communism can now be found in a National Museum exhibition in Všetaty, near Mělník.
Josef Václav Myslbek: Meet Up Below the Tail
This classical master of Czech sculpture made a lasting impact in the art world, and his masterpieces are an essential part of Czech culture. His renowned works include captivating sculptures that embody characters from old Czech fables and legends, which he designed for the National Theatre in Prague. Want to meet up “by Wenceslas”, “by the horse”, or “under the tail”? One landmark that cannot be overlooked during your stay in Prague is the magnificent statue of St. Wenceslas on horseback, which stands majestically at the center of Wenceslas Square, right in the heart of the capital.
František Bílek: Crucified at Prague Castle
This sculptor, who reached his peak during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, invites art enthusiasts to embark on an extraordinary journey through symbolism and spiritual art. Bílek’s introspective and esoteric works delve into profound spiritual and philosophical themes, reflecting his personal quest for meaning and faith. Today, you can explore Bílek’s villa in Prague, which has been transformed into a museum and gallery devoted to his art, or visit his striking Crucifixion piece located in St. Vitus Cathedral.
Kurt Gebauer: A Heart for Havel and a Pyramidal Dwarf at the Czech Royal Residence
This versatile artist is celebrated for his diverse approach to working with materials and styles, as well as for his commitment to enhancing his surroundings with beauty. As he experiments with various materials and techniques, each of Gebauer’s creations is a quest to push the limits of artistic expression. Notable works include his Mask and Pyramidal Dwarf, both prominently displayed within the grounds of Prague Castle, along with his Heart for Václav Havel, which sits in front of the National Theatre in Prague. His enchanting piece titled Dream of Flying can be found in the garden of the fairytale-like château in Hradec nad Moravicí, the town where the sculptor originated. Another fascinating creation is the Giant Dwarf statue near Hořice in eastern Bohemia, which is touted to be the world’s tallest statue of a dwarf, measuring eleven meters and weighing a staggering 200 tonnes!
Ladislav Šaloun: Step Into a Paradise of Symbolism
The artwork of Ladislav Šaloun serves as a glimpse into the artistic spirit that flourished at the cusp of the 19th and 20th centuries. His studio was a popular gathering spot for prominent Czech artists, including painter Alfons Mucha, singer Ema Destinnová, and sculptor František Bílek. Šaloun’s creative output was heavily inspired by both Art Nouveau and symbolism, which gave rise to his famed Slavín tomb at Vyšehrad Cemetery, as well as his monumental John Hus Monument located in Old Town Square.
Krištof Kintera: Discover the Artistic Vision of a Multifunctional Artist
Krištof Kintera is an artist unbound by limitations. His works invite you to delve deep into the intricacies of human existence, identity, and society. He employs unconventional materials and methods, lending a distinctive depth and expressiveness to his art. Kintera participated in the creation of the controversial piece Entropa alongside David Černý. Although he was born in Prague, one of his most iconic installations, entitled Demon of the Growth, is situated in the atrium of Brno’s Moravian Gallery.
Magdalena Jetelová: Art that Pushes the Boundaries of Possibilities
Uncover the monumental artistry of this Czech-German sculptor, who transcends traditional confines to explore new horizons within fine art. Her creations provide a unique perspective on the interactions between humanity and nature, technology, and our spatial perceptions. The artist bravely confronts current environmental issues and examines how we engage with the world around us.
Magdalena Jetelová: Vltava Chair, artatsite.com
Bonus Sculpture: Commemorating World-Famous Architect Jan Kaplický
Jan Kaplický was set to design a new Czech National Library. Unfortunately, the project was shelved, and the gifted Czech-born British architect passed away shortly after. As a tribute, a bus stop commemorating him was established in Brno in 2011, resembling a scaled-down version of the National Library building.
Sculpture Line: Discover Contemporary Sculpture in the Open Air
The Sculpture Line is an annual art initiative that celebrates public space sculptures. Incredibly interesting creations can be discovered throughout Prague, Plzeň, Broumov, Mariánské Lázně, Olomouc, Zlín, and various other cities. A standout installation is Acque by Jan Kaplický, which lay hidden for two decades beneath Lake Como in Italy, encapsulating the architect’s vision of the future regarding bottled water consumption in public spaces.
