ODVAHA (2015)

AN EQUESTRIAN STATUE FOR MORAVIA SQUARE IN BRNO - IN HONOR OF JOBST OF LUXEMBOURG

(text for competition design)

A knight on an enormous steed, in full battle gear – armor, shield and lance – is a mythological symbol that helped shape the spirit of the European Middle Ages and that represents many of the positive values without which we could not imagine the spiritual history of Christian Europe. The equestrian statue refers back to the Roman horseman, the classical roots of European culture. In fact, equestrian statues can be found in most European cities, and it is wonderful that Brno has decided to become a part of this tradition. I won't deny that the theme of a knight on horseback is one that is close to my heart, one that I have repeatedly explored in my art. In today's day and age, however, the motif cannot be approached without a certain sense of perspective, without an awareness of changing contexts, values, and artistic and aesthetic concepts. For these reasons, I have created an equestrian sculpture that is a symbol of an equestrian sculpture. I achieved this semantic shift through the distinct verticalization of both figures – horse and rider. I wanted to raise the Knight to the mythical heights from whence He comes when we are suffering and in need of his aid. At the same time, I consciously denied the tradition of monuments to important historical figures in armor by lowering the visor on the Knight's helm. In my view, a Knight with a lowered visor, ready to battle his enemy, is an ideal rendering of the subject of Courage, which was the theme of the competition. An equestrian sculpture measuring eight meters tall at the tip of the rider's lance will also be the perfect dominant feature for Moravia Square, one that won't be overshadowed by the neighboring Church of St. Thomas. The long and slender columns of the horse's legs will encourage passers-by to walk among them and admire the massive hooves of this mythical steed. The sculpture will also offer shelter against sudden rains. The work's distinctive verticalization also recalls the European significance of Jobst of Luxembourg – who held the post of King of the Romans – among the European aristocracy. I have chosen to create the sculpture out of bronze – a classical material that is resistant to both weather and vandals and that can be easily repaired if necessary. The sculpture's placement has already been defined, and I have no objections or comments – it is, in my view, a very suitable place for a sculpture.

Jaroslav Róna