Reprezentační prostory rektora UK osiřely. Dva obrazy putovaly na unikátní výstavu Karla Škréty

A career-spanning exhibition of the work by the Czech Baroque painter Karel Škréta opened on November 26 at the Wallenstein Riding School and the Prague Castle Riding School. Out of almost 400 exhibits from Czech Republic and abroad, two prints and two oil paintings – Saint Catherine, patroness of philosophers, and Saint John of Patmos – were borrowed from Charles University.

Normally, both Škréta paintings adorn the walls of the reception halls of the Rector’s office on the first floor of the Charles University’s historic Karolinum building. Presently, they are on display at the unique exhibition titled Karel Škréta (1610-1674): His Work and His Era, up until April 10, 2011.

The painting of Saint Catherine, patroness of philosophers, was donated to the university in 1658 by the future king of Poland, Michal Wisniowiecki, a former student of the Faculty of Arts. (Oil on canvas, 231,5 x 142 cm)

National Gallery in Prague is the principle investigator of the “Karel Škréta (1610-1674): His Work and His Era” research project, supported by grants from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway under the EEA/Norwegian Financial Mechanism programme. The main objective of this project, apart from the restoration of selected works, is research into the origins of the Baroque art in Bohemia and Central Europe, especially in regard to its Italian sources. Publications, conferences, an exhibition and other activities are in the works, aiming at presenting a new complex overview of the historical and spiritual developments in Baroque Bohemia, an era that has been subject to significant ideological stereotypes. Partners in the project include experts from the National Gallery in Prague, the Institute of Art History of the ASCR, v. v. i., and the Institute of Art History of the Charles University Faculty of Arts.

The present exhibition is the most extensive to date, representing Škréta as an era-defining artist and the founder of Baroque painting in Bohemia. Next to his works, art by his son Karel Škréta Jr., his disciples and his workshop assistants are exhibited, as well as works by the artists that Škréta met during his time in Germany and Italy and the paintings that he was inspired by.

The project includes numerous accompanying events.

The exhibition is open every day from 10am to 6pm at the Wallenstein Riding School and the Prague Castle Riding School until April 10, 2011.

(Lucie Kettnerová)

Translation: Jaroslav Švelch