Equestrian statue design for the St. Wenceslas Monument

Bohuslav Schnirch, executed by František Houdek, Prague, Bohemia

1894

Cast enchased bronze.

H: 42 cm without spear; 55 cm with spear

Markings: MODEL BOHUSLAV SCHNIRCH / KOV FRANT. HOUDEK PRAHA inscribed on sides of plinth

UMP 14609                         

Sculptor Bohuslav Schnirch’s submission to the 1894 competition for an equestrian sculpture of the Czech patron saint, St. Wenceslas, to be installed on Wenceslas Square in Prague. The sculpture depicts the saint as a rider holding a spear and flag blessing his people.

Schnirch’s design, like the design by Josef Václav Myslbek, was awarded second prize in the competition (first prize was not awarded). However, after lengthy debates, Myslbek’s design presenting St. Wenceslas as a warrior riding to defend his nation received the green light.

By around 1912, the equestrian figure in the Pilsen museum’s collections likely decorated the burgomaster’s office at Pilsen City Hall.