Zlický kníže Radslav se koří svatému Václavu (Prince Radslav of Z
Zlický kníže Radslav se koří svatému Václavu (Prince Radslav of Zlice Humbles Himself before St. Wenceslas), Karel Škréta (1610 - 1674), c. 1641Prince Radslav of Zlice Humbling Himself before St. Wenceslas is the 18th painting of the St. Wenceslas Cycle, created by Karel Škréta together with other artists for the Monastery of Discalced Augustinians at Zderaz beginning in 1640. The scene depicts the moment of the clash of the leaders of the enemy armies at Kouftm, who were to fight each other in a duel. The picture captures the instant when Radslav humbly kneels before the saint, begging for mercy, for the sign of the cross on the forehead of St. Wenceslaus, as well as the pair of angels appearing at his side, clearly showed that the Grace of God was with him. The inscription “NON MARTE SED ARTE” (not by the power of war but by the art of the Cross) suspended above the head of St. Wenceslas illustrates the general meaning of the scene. The painting is captivating for its compelling rendering of the atmosphere of war and its elaborate composition, as well as for the robust realism evident in the portrayal of the figures of the soldiers. Although in some sections Škréta entrusted work on the painting to his assistants, the contrast of the dark silhouette of the saint and the ethereal aspect of the angels is incredibly powerful.It is currently part of the Schwarzenberg Palace gallery in Prague -- source link
#karel skreta#baroque#bohemian art