4:30 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Lecture by Marek Zágora. Only in Czech.

Everybody is familiar with playing cards, which are a popular way to pass the time both for children and adults. But not many of us are aware that cards can be (and in the past, were) miniature works of art – which were not only used for playing games. Several very impressive and opulent sets of playing cards from the High Middle Ages have been preserved, which were not intended for playing but were created for high-ranking patrons by prominent and talented artists and their workshops. The individual cards feature original “paintings” depicting hunting scenes, beautiful landscapes, animals, and even more or less important members of the royal court. These playing cards provide a unique insight into the worldview of the twilight years of the Middle Ages – a time of turbulent social, economic and religious upheavals. Their primary purpose was to educate.

The lecture will be streamed live on Facebooku and the gallery’s YouTube channel.

Booking in advance necessary  

free entrance