Myslbek Gallery
Inspiration from the works of Josef Václav Myslbek, combined with the own invention of Milada Myslbeková.
Admire the charm of bygone eras and listen to the stories written by time.
Myslbek Design Collections
DETAILS
LEGACY OF THE HOMELAND
ANGELS
SAINT WENCESLAS
DESERT SECRETS
Details Collection
In the 1880s and 1890s, Josef Václav Myslbek
created large and significant works, including group sculptures
for the Palacký
Bridge: Záboj and Slavoj, Přemysl and Libuše, Ctirad and Šárka, and Lumír and
Song,
which were moved to Vyšehrad after the Second World War.
In his monumental sculptures, often inspired by the ideas of the Czech national
revival, Myslbek also focused
on portrait sculpture, creating busts, plaques,
and medals. The motifs for the 2024 Christmas ornament collection
are drawn from these works.
Tender Sprig
Collection inspired by Myslbek's monumental
half-figure of Count Thun-Hohenstein, which highlights the face of the
portrayed figure, his expression embodying a determined, successful, and
confident man. His gentle dignity is accentuated by a sprig, the detail of
which became the motif for the ornament.
Count Franz Thun-Hohenstein (1809–1870) was one of the most prominent figures
in the cultural life of 19th-century Prague. He served as the secretary of the
Fine Arts Society and was one of the founders of the Public Fund for the
execution of expensive monumental commissions. He was also the fifth president
of the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts.
Detail of a Headpiece
The motif is drawn from a detail of a headpiece worn by the girl depicted on the obverse side of a medal of the Prague Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The inscription is the chamber's name in Czech.
Leaf Wreath
The reverse side of the medal of the Prague
Chamber
of Commerce and Industry depicts a boy adorned with
a wreath. The
details of the leaves in the wreath served
as inspiration for this ornament.
The inscription, in contrast to the obverse side, is written in German.
Legacy of the Homeland Collection
A collection inspired by motifs emblematic of the Czech nation, which sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek captured not only in his statues, but across his body of work. The motifs draw from his realist masterpieces, specifically his monumental realism, where he employed the principles of classical harmony. This approach culminated in his creation of Devotion (Humanity) for the Vienna Parliament, a work that garnered great acclaim and opened doors for Myslbek on the international stage. One of his most iconic pieces is the statue of Cardinal Schwarzenberg in Saint Vitus' Cathedral, a pinnacle of Czech sculpture. His equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square, a project that took him 36 years to complete, stands as the crowning achievement of his artistic legacy. The entire composition serves as a symbol of the Czech nation – one that reflects the strength and resilience of its people, who have lived with responsibility, striving for mutual respect, compassion, justice, education, and piety.
Laurel Branch
Motif inspired by the sculpture Devotion, to which Myslbek later added the laurel branch. The original, crafted from Carrara marble, is displayed at the Vienna Parliament. In the Czech Republic, the sculpture can be seen at the Old Town Hall in Prague.
Cardinal's Robe
The kneeling statue of Cardinal Schwarzenberg is in Saint Vitus' Cathedral. The drapery from which this motif is derived was particularly intricate and labour-intensive for Myslbek.
Pedestal of Saint Wenceslas
The equestrian statue is in Wenceslas Square, Prague, and has become a symbol of the Czech nation. Josef Václav Myslbek worked on the monument for 36 years.
Angels Collection
A collection inspired by the angels depicted by
sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek in the reliefs of his sculptures. Angels are
supernatural spiritual beings, believed to be subservient to God or gods,
serving as messengers between humans and
the divine. In the original Hebrew,
the word for angel simply meant "messenger". Myslbek often incorporated these
supernatural beings into his works, and you can find them on dozens of statues
and monuments.
Angel of Friendship
This motif is from a relief on a sculpture by Myslbek symbolising Friendship.
The angel conveys understanding, sincerity, and trust in others.
Angel of Tenderness
This motif is from a relief on a sculpture by Myslbek symbolising Tenderness.
The angel conveys gentleness, affection, and delicate charm.
Angel of Love
This motif is from a relief on a sculpture by Myslbek symbolising Love.
The angels convey strong emotional bonds, selflessness, endurance, and mutual loyalty.
Monument to Saint Wenceslas Collection
The collection is inspired by the statue of
Saint Wenceslas on Wenceslas Square in Prague, one of the most renowned
sculptural works in the Czech Republic. Created by Josef Václav Myslbek, the
most prominent Czech sculptor at the turn
of the 20th century, a proponent of
monumental realism, and the founder of modern Czech sculpture, the monument
is
not only a symbol of Czech statehood but also a raised finger pointing to the
need to preserve the nation's fundamental cultural and spiritual values.
Saint Ludmila
Saint Ludmila is the most elaborate of the four
statues
of saints surrounding Saint Wenceslas. It is said that the model may
have been a cleaning lady from the art academy or one of the Thun countesses,
but the family itself believes she bears the features of Myslbek's own
grandmother. Saint Ludmila is one of the main ancestors
of Bohemian monarchs
and queens. During her lifetime,
the foundations were laid for the
Christianisation of Bohemia and for the power for the Přemyslid dynasty.
Saint Agnes
This motif, inspired by the statue of Saint
Agnes from the Saint Wenceslas monument, embodies the ideal Bohemian girl.
Saint Agnes of Bohemia was born a Přemyslid princess, likely the youngest
daughter of King Ottokar I of Bohemia and Queen Constance of Hungary. One
of the most significant figures of the Přemyslid dynasty, Agnes served as a nun
and abbess of the Na Františku Convent and figured prominently in the
political, cultural, and social life
of her time.
Saint Adalbert
Saint Adalbert bears the likeness of Myslbek's
friend, Cardinal Schönborn. This choice was controversial, but Myslbek stood
firm in his decision. He was unable
to complete the drapery on the back of the
robe,
and after his death no one dared to finish it. Over time, however, this
was forgotten, and today, we hardly notice it.
Saint Procopius
Saint Procopius was originally a secular
priest, later becoming a hermit and co-founder and first abbot of Sázava
Monastery. He was canonised in 1204. Saint Procopius began his life as a
secular priest, but he gave up this career, withdrew into solitude, and became
a hermit.
In portraying Saint Procopius, Myslbek captured his own face, scarred
by the hardships of life.
Desert Secrets Collection
A collection inspired by the personal story of Milada Myslbeková, who spent much of her life with her husband and two daughters in Germany, China, Syria, and finally in Libya. All these lands were filled with opportunities of discovery, where she encountered artists, government officials, and ordinary people and their folk art. The inspiration for Desert Secrets came from life in Syria and Libya, and the enchanting Sahara, which infuses the ornaments with a touch of the desert's mysterious sands.
Palmyra – Bride of the Desert
The motifs are inspired by the ancient city in the Syrian desert once ruled by Queen Zenobia. The central bauble is majestically decorated.
Sahara
Inspired by the Sahara – a magical word, a welcoming yet deadly sun-drenched landscape, the largest hot desert in the world. Then there is the green oasis of Ghadames and the patterns of Berbers and Tuaregs on old wooden chests.
Sunset
Inspired by the setting sun illuminating windswept desert dunes, the Uwbari Sand Sea, and the Gaberoun oasis.