4:30 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Lecture by Marek Zágora. Only in Czech.

Wenceslas IV (1361–1419), King of Bohemia and of the Romans, sought to ensure the continuation of his dynasty – just as his father Charles IV had done. All monarchs did so. They wanted to have as many children as possible, especially sons. Wenceslas IV understood the importance of marriage alliances, which were one of the cornerstones of a successful reign. He himself was married twice. His first marriage, to Joanna of Bavaria, was arranged during his father’s lifetime, but he chose his second wife, Sophia of Bavaria, himself – in part because she captivated him at first sight. While Emperor Charles IV was blessed with eleven children, both of Wenceslas’s marriages were childless; for this reason, it was speculated that the King was impotent, or even homosexual. However, women played a crucial role in his life. A lecture marking this year’s 650th anniversary of Sophia of Bavaria’s birth will present “all” the women who left a significant mark on Wenceslas’s life – but Sophia will be at the centre of our attention.

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

Advance booking is necessary.

free of charge