Welcome to the first part of our special summer series Highlights from the National Gallery Prague presented by the art historian Veronika Wolf introducing selected works from the collection of the National Gallery Prague (NGP) in 11 videos as a joint project of Czech Centres and NGP. Watch the first video featuring Emperor Charles IV and The Votive Panel of Jan Očko of Vlašim followed by new episodes every Monday until the end of November
Charles IV and The Votive Panel of Jan Očko of Vlašim (anonymous)
Before 1371
Height 181,5 cm x width 96,5 cm
Tempera on wood panel covered with canvas
Charles IV (1316–1378) belongs among the most important figures in Central European history. He was the first Bohemian king to be crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. During his reign, Prague became the center of the Empire and a great many exceptional works of art were created here. One of the most exquisite works is the Votive Panel of Jan Očko of Vlašim, an outstanding example of Gothic panel painting. It depicts Charles IV and his successor, son Wenceslas IV, kneeling in front of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus. The painting was commissioned by the Prague archbishop Jan Očko of Vlašim who is depicted in the lower section of the scene in the moment of the symbolic takeover of the Prague Archbishop from the hands of Saint Adalbert, one of the Bohemian patron saints.
Charles IV is depicted in this Votive Panel of Jan Očko of Vlašim painted before 1371. The work is divided into two parts. In the upper part are the enthroned Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus holding an apple as a symbol of government. On her right, hierarchically the more important side is the kneeling Emperor Charles. He is clad in a luxurious cloak and has the imperial crown on his head. Behind him stands St. Sigismund, a saint whose remains Charles had brought to the Czech lands. On the Virgin Mary’s left side is Wenceslas, son of Charles IV. On his head, he has the crown of St. Wenceslas, which his father had made. The distinct gold belt he wears probably refers to the fact that Wenceslas has recently been promoted to knighthood. Behind him stands his namesake, St. Wenceslas, dressed as a knight. St. Wenceslas, like St. Sigismund, was a patron saint of Bohemia. In the lower part of the panel kneels the donor, Jan Očko of Vlašim. He is rendered in strict profile probably because he could see only with one eye. He takes over the Prague Archbishopric according to the feudal law from the hands of St. Adalbert. He is being presented by St. Vitus, to whom the cathedral at Prague Castle was dedicated. This ceremonial scene is watched over by Bohemian patron saints, St. Procopius and St. Ludmila. She can be identified by her attribute – a scarf with which she was strangled. We know the image of Charles IV not only from this painting but also from a number of other works. At his time he was one of the most frequently portrayed rulers.
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