Socha svatého Jana Nepomuckého na Kostelním náměstí Statue

Welcome to Nymburk. You have just stopped at a place that is the heart of this city, in Church Square. Before we go into an in-depth investigation of what's right in front of you, just stop for a moment and feel the atmosphere of this space. You're standing in a place where history meets everyday life, and right now your journey is linked to art that has been here for hundreds of years. In front of your eyes is the statue of St. John Nepomuk. It's a monumental work that will immediately attract you with its presence and its quiet power.

Look at this material, this sandstone, from which the statue is carved. Feel his color and texture. The sandstone is a material that has a special feeling in it, it has a connection with nature, but it also has an incredible work of human hands. This statue is not just a stone object, it is a living witness of time. When you look at it, you see a work that has been here since 1742. Imagine everything that has happened since then, all the human destinies that passed through this square, while this sandstone remained here, immobile and loyal to its task.

This statue belongs to the early Baroque era. If you want to understand this style, look at how the statue tries to express movement and emotion even in that still rock. Early Baroque brought new dynamics into the art, a new way to tell stories through faces and gestures. Although we do not know the name of the particular creator who carved this work, his championship is evident in every detail that you can now observe.

Now I would ask you to move your gaze closer to the figure of a saint. Notice its size. The statue is carved in life-size, which creates a feeling as if St. John Nepomuk was really standing among us, as one of us, but still with the noble timeless. In his right hand he holds a cross that is a powerful symbol of faith and sacrifice. Notice how this cross is carved, how it fits into his possession. In his left hand, he carries a square. This object is less well known to someone, but it has a profound meaning in this context.

Now, pay attention to something very gentle. You'll see a small figure at his side. She's an angel. This angel is not just an ornament to please us. His presence has a profound, symbolic meaning. This angel symbolizes silence. It's a reminder of secrecy, secrets, and the ability to preserve what is sacred, in peace and without unnecessary words. If you look at him, perhaps you will feel the special calming that this silence brings directly to the busy city.

Now try to look down on what keeps the statue above the ground. This whole piece is on a two-stage plinth. This plinth is not just a simple base, it's an integral part of the whole artistic expression. On its steps you can see reliefs, i.e. elevated images carved directly into stone. These reliefs tell us stories and complement the figure of the saint with another layer of meaning. You can also see the Latin inscriptions here. Although Latin is not a native language for many of us, its presence here gives the whole place nobility and reminds us of the European cultural context in which this work was created. These inscriptions were common in the eighteenth century to write down important information and to know who this work is dedicated to.

This whole place, this square, has a specific connection to the surrounding architecture. The statue stands in close proximity to the church of St. Jilji. This closeness creates a sacred circle, a space where the religious significance of the statue meets the space of public assembly. It's where people meet, where they stop, and this statue is their silent guide.

It's very interesting that this work is not just an historical artifact, but a protected treasure. Since 1965, this statue has been recognised and protected as a cultural monument. It tells us that its value to all of us, to our city and to the whole country, is enormous. We must take care of it to preserve this early Baroque piece for those who come after us. It's our common heritage that connects us to the people of 1742.

Look at her for a while. Feel the beauty of the sandstone, the power of the symbols and the silent presence of the angel. This statue is more than just stone. It's a story about faith, about silence, and about art that can cross centuries.

I hope this brief view of the statue of St. John Nepomuk has helped you better understand its meaning and beauty. Now don't just go back to history, but continue to walk through this city. Nymburk has many other places worth exploring, and each one has its own story. I wish you a beautiful and inspiring next part of your journey around this city. I'll say goodbye and wish you many more interesting discoveries.