Zprávy památkové péče 2016, 76(4):387-397

Transformations and state of the relief of the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Arrival of the Magi in Nový Les near Kuks

Jiří Kaše, Jiří Novotný, Zdeněk Štaffen

The issue of caring for the reliefs that were created in the Baroquely conceived natural environment at the behest of Count F. A. Sporck and created by sculptor M. B. Braun has been a frequent subject of research and debate over the last decade.
The beginning of the article mentions major works that formed the grounds' facilities and are now located elsewhere or have disappeared. The main outlines also recapitulate earlier interventions that led to the better preservation of the Nativity relief. The impact of these interventions on the current status of the work and on current and future care is also addressed.
The subsequent text describes recent restoration and conservation interventions. Descriptions of implemented procedures not only supplement previously obtained and published knowledge about the mechanism of the relief material's biocorrosion, but also present knowledge about the nature and state of the stone relief as they could be obtained on site after the surface of the stone was exposed.
The conclusion of the article reminds us of some old-new ideas and suggestions for use in further care for the reliefs as well as the entire complex of works in Nový Les. We wish to remind that even though this monument was included on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in danger in 2001, it still awaits its opportunity and its long-term conceived care. The set of preserved works is understood as an important part of the Kuks Hospital national cultural property and the Králův Dvůr region.
The published text is a continuation and part of the longstanding activities of a number of prominent personalities and important institutions which were realized with varying degrees of public support. An important part of the text is also to express gratitude for the support of the Ministry of Culture which was provided to our team under the National Cultural Identity (NAKI) program of applied research and development, code DF11PO10VV027, as a sub-task of a wider project entitled Selected conservation methods for improving care for sculptural and architectural monuments.

Keywords: Kuks; Braun's Nativity; history of restoration work; petrological analysis; recommendations for monument restoration

Published: December 1, 2016  Show citation