Emperor Charles IV - The Second Life of Charles IV ****************************************************************************************** * Emperor Charles IV - The Second Life of Charles IV ****************************************************************************************** Within the cloister of Karolinum, the main seat of “Universitas Carolina” in the heart of Old Town, hangs a large yet modest, heavy grey curtain. Behind it sits a wonderous trove o engravings, chronicles, reliquaries and treasures of a bygone age. Huge canvases adorn the ancient battles and gatherings, all with a central, noble figure: Charles IV. The temporary exhibition “The Second Life of Charles IV” at Charles University celebrates anniversary of the birth of its founder, and is part of the greater commemorative exhibiti “Emperor Charles IV“. It has been curated by a collaboration of forces including the Unive National Gallery and the South-German House of Bavarian History. The King of Bohemia and H is probably the most important figure within Prague’s rich historical tapestry. The admira prominent individual is felt far and wide throughout the Czech Capital, with statues and m his namesake dotted across the baroque cityscape.  Although a little on the small side, th still impressive and is a testament to the main exhibition in the Prague National Gallery. In the first room behind the large curtain, a variety of skillful historic paintings line Most originate from the 19th century, a period when people liked to recall the glory of ti a particular tendancy to idealise the middle-ages. On the far left wall a scene depicts a upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that it is of the Battle of Crécy (1346), pain Viktor Barvitius in 1860. It shows King John of Bohemia, often referred to as “John the Bl evident reason. King John died fighting, as this painting shows, despite having been blind decade prior to this; many would likely agree that this is an fairly honourable and brave A further painting shows King John stealing away a baby from his wife Elizabeth. This was whom the King was worried would be used as a catalyst in a coup d’etat or rebellion, and t a preventative measure. The son was none other than a young Charles IV who, despite his fa eventually succeeded him none the less. As we delve further into the exhibition, a succession of smaller paintings, drawings and e dotted along the walls depicting events from Charles’ life, as well as places connected to Karlštejn or Křivoklát Castles. However, the most impressive thing to see here by far is i case, sitting centrally in an adjoining room. It is a coat, red in colour and so heavily e gold brocade that it has attained a resplendent quality, a garment which apparently belong himself. The fact that this material is nearly 700 years old is astounding considering the it is in. The coat was made in Venice in the mid 14th century and was brought to Prague fo this exhibition from the Galleria Giorgio Frachetti alla Ca‘ d’Oro in Venice. Towards the end of the displays there is an image of Charles IV as imagined from the 20th and 1973 two films were made in Czechoslovakia which helped propogate the idealised image among the Czechs. The black and white “Delights of Pater Patriae“ from 1969 depicts the ma IV, while the 1973 musical “Night at Karlštejn“ shows the King and Emperor during the time marriage. [ URL ""] As previously stated, the exhibition is open to the public in the Cloister of th building of Charles University and is definitely worth a visit for an insight into the lif important figure in Czech and European history. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday f until the 31st of August and is free of charge.