Zprávy památkové péče 2015, 75(3):219-226

The Marian Column and its square (notes on meaning and place)

Vít Vlnas

The article describes the history of the creation and destruction of the Marian Column on the Old Town Square. The first part summarizes the history of the preparation, production, and erection of the Marian Column. It goes on to closely examine its iconography and seek out artistic and ideological drafts for its final design, which has, among others, a distinctive anti-Lutheran emphasis. The second part is devoted to later reflections concerning the monument, especially in the 19th century when it became the subject of nationalist sentiments and one of the centers of the increasingly aggravated dispute between nationalities, faiths, and political currents. The article closely covers the period debate on the Column, especially in the context of the "fight for the Old Town Square" associated with efforts to erect the Hus monument and thus attempts to characterize the causes that led to the demolition of the statue in 1918.

Keywords: Old Town Square, Marian Column, Jan Hus Monument, iconography, nationalism

Published: September 1, 2015  Show citation