Socha svatého Jana Nepomuckého (Šternberk) Statue

The statue of St. John Nepomuk in Šternberk presents a Baroque stone statue, which is an important cultural monument in Olomouc Region. Located in the city of Šternberk and belongs among the important locust sites in Moravia before the canonization of the saint in 1729. This historical object manifests itself not only with historical value, but also with a rich iconographic and architectural site.

The statue was built in 1706 as a tribute to Saint Jan Nepomuk. The author of the statue is not known, but a connection with Olomouc sculptor František Zürn is assumed. The Baroque period in Central Europe was characterized by cultural flourishing and political stability under the rule of the Habsburgs, which contributed to the creation of this work as a manifestation of deep faith and respect for the saint who became the favourite patron of the Czech countries.

The architecture of the statue is typical of Baroque style. Made of stone, depicts Jan Nepomuk in traditional iconography: the saint is dressed in a priesthood with a biret and has a halo with five stars around his head. He holds a crucifix in his hands, which underlines his spiritual standing. The statue is placed on a square brick base, which continues in the massive bottom part of the stand with volute sides. This structure passes through the ledge into the prism upper part that carries the statue. The richly decorated base is equipped with reliefs and inscriptions celebrating both the saint and the donor Martin Maximilian Štefk. On the bottom of the pedestal you can see the relief of St. John Nepomucký's downfall from the bridge to Vltava, which symbolizes his martyrdom death. The back of the prism part of the pedestal is carried by the relief of St. John's Apotheosis with a kneeling donor and the inscription TE IOANNEM NE CONE / VVDARPRECOR, who asks for protection from shame.

The statue was owned and administered by various personalities during its history. The key figure is Martin Maxmilián Štefek, the Sternberg captain who erected the statue as a token of his respect for St. John Nepomuk. The delivery sign on the lower part of the pedestal states: SACRATA / HAEC STATVA / A / DON MARTINOSTEFFEK / CAPITANEO / DOMINII STERNBERGENSIS / HONORIS ERGO ERECTA EST, which confirms its role as the donor. Another inscription on the side of the pedestal underlines the respect for God and Saint John of Nepomuk: GOTT VAND HEILIGEN / IOANNI VON NEPOMVK ZV EH / REN AVCH MANIGLICH ZV TROST / HAT DIES STATVEN HERR MARTIN / MAX STEFFECK HAVBTMAN DER HERRSCHAFFT STERNBERG DE / MVTTIGSTAVFF GEOFERT. These inscriptions celebrate the saints and highlight the spiritual and personal importance of the statue for its donor.

The key event in the history of the statue was her restaurant in 1996, performed by Ladislav Werkmann. This intervention has ensured the protection and preservation of the monument for future generations. The statue of St. John Nepomuk in Šternberk is protected as a cultural monument and remains in its original place, which contributes to its historical and aesthetic importance.

Today the statue is located in the center of Šternberk and is easily accessible to visitors. Its rich history, architecture and symbolism make it an important cultural monument worth visiting. The statue of St. John Nepomuk in Šternberk reminds of important historical events and personalities and serves as a local icon of faith and tradition. Its preservation for future generations is proof of the lasting importance of the locust cult in Moravia.