Jan Royt Book order

St Vitus' Cathedral in Prague Castle is one of the symbols of the Czech statehood; it is the coronation and burial site of Bohemian kings and it has remained a leading Christian cathedral, the residence of archbishops, the venue for state ceremonies and, last but not least, a much sought-after tourist attraction. This book by renowned experts presents the history of the cathedral, inseparably linked to the history of the Czech Lands, in chronological order. This traditional exposition focusing on history and art history is based on the results of archaeological research as well as on preserved historical documents. The scholars present the circumstances of the cathedral's foundation by Charles IV in the 14th century, the progression of the construction, including later alterations and additions. The focus of their exposition lies in a detailed description of the sculpted and artistic decoration, significant monuments (St Wenceslaus' Chapel containing the crown jewels, the building's foundations, and the burial site of Bohemian kings). The text, set in a the broader context of the developments of European architecture, is richly illustrated with contemporary photographs, historical images, reconstructions and plans.

The Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece was one of the most important Gothic artists of the international style art in the European context. Scholarly literature, both Czech and foreign, presents various ideas concerning ascribing particular pieces of art to this unknown figure, the date of their origin and their chronology, artistic ideological points of departure of his work and the reconstruction and origin of the Třeboň altarpiece. Art historian Jan Royt’s extensive scientific monograph on the Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece is an attempt to answer these questions. The introductory chapters outline the historical events and development of painting in Europe and in Bohemia in the last third of the 14th century, including the spiritual background of the time. The central part is devoted to the artistic and iconographic analysis of works of the Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece and works from his workshop and circle as well as importance in the formulation of the beautiful style. The scholar focused also on the various hypothetical variants of the hypothetical reconstruction of the altarpiece (including drawings). The book closes with a detailed and critical overview of art historians’ views of the work of this medieval artist. The appendix, including illustrations, summarizing the results of restoration survey of the panel paintings by the Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece, is the work of Adam Pokorný.

Originally published in Czech in 2002 and now available in English, Medieval Painting in Bohemia assesses the history of painting in Bohemia and Moravia from the emergence of the Czech state in the late ninth century to the end of the rule of Ludwig Jagiello in 1526. Leading Czech art historian Jan Royt traces the developments in and preservation of mural and panel painting during this period, as well as illuminations and medieval iconography, and he also explores the various themes that inspired these pieces. The text is rounded out with more than eighty full-color illustrations, each supplied with a detailed caption.             Original yet authoritative, Medieval Painting in Bohemia will be an indispensable guide for everyone curious to know more about this region, as well as students of art history seeking a definitive introduction.