4:30 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Lecture by Marek Zágora. Only in Czech.

The Austrian National Library in Vienna contains numerous magnificent and richly illuminated manuscripts associated with the Bohemian Crown Lands. These include the best-known and most beautiful copy of the Golden Bull of Charles IV, which was created in around 1400 under the influence of Bohemian book art. The Latin manuscript, which the King of Bohemia Wenceslas IV commissioned from his court artists, incorporates 48 miniatures and numerous initials of very high quality, all of which combine to make up a unique and enchanting entity. The text concerns the processes by which the Holy Roman Emperor was elected and exercised his power, and it is an important historical source on political and constitutional affairs. The Golden Bull was ceremonially issued in 1356, and it became the central constitutional legislation of the Holy Roman Empire, remaining in force until 1806. The unique value of the Viennese manuscript is underlined by its 2013 UNESCO inscription.

Booking advance

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

free entrance