Sousoší svaté Barbory a Madony Statue

Sousoší svaté Barbory a Madony, located next to the building of the municipal office in the Hradec Kralove district, is a Baroque statue from 1706. This monument has been protected as a real-estate cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1958 and represents a double statue of Saint Barbara and the Virgin Mary with Jesus standing back to each other. This artistic object is remarkable not only by its historical value, but also by the wealth of architectural details and symbolism.

The creation of sculptures in 1706 relates to the development of Baroque art in Central Europe. This style was characterized by rich decorative elements and dramatic expressivity, which is also evident in this work. The Baroque was a time when artists tried to express emotional depth and religious zeal through complex and detailed sculptures.

The sculpture architecture is an example of baroque art. The stone base on which the statues stand has a prism plinth with a simple base ended with a small ledge. On the front of the plinth is carved the coat of arms of the noble Valdstejn family with the golden fahrnochs and the crown in the jewel, suggesting a possible connection to this family. The year 1706 is above the coat of arms, under which the inscription "Restored 1873" stands, while the inscription "Restored 1938" is found on the back. On the prism plinth are built double statues of saints. The front statue represents the Virgin Mary standing on the crescent moon with an espiontingly bent figure, holding the naked Jesus, who holds the ball in his left hand and blesses with his right hand. The rear statue depicts St. Barbara in a long garment with a disbanded hair and a crown on her head, at her right leg standing its attribute - cylindrical tower.

The history of sculpture is rich in events. The first known renewal took place in 1873, which was confirmed by the inscription on the pedestal. Another reconstruction took place in 1938 and a new inscription "Renewed 1938" was added. The sculpture was registered as a real-estate cultural monument of the Czech Republic in 1958, highlighting its historical and cultural value. The last restoration took place in 1998, providing permanent care for this artistic object.

Sousoší svaté Barbory a Madony is now open to the public and is worth visiting not only for its historical value but also as an example of baroque art. Its richness of detail and symbolism offers a valuable insight into the spiritual life of past times. Visiting this place is not only a short way to history, but also an opportunity to explore the artistic and cultural heritage of the Czech Republic.

The importance of the statues of Saint Barbara and Madonna lies in his ability to preserve the memory of the past and imagine the life context in which it was created. It is an important element of the cultural and historical picture of the Hradec Králové region, which is worth discovering and appreciating.