They brought an equestrian statue of the Roman King Jošt to Brno today

photo: Kateřina Tučková

Brno - This afternoon, a mounted statue of Roman King and Moravian Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg was brought to Moravian Square in Brno, where it will stand in front of St. Thomas Church. The statue consists of six parts cast in bronze, so it has to be gradually assembled with the help of a crane. So far, the horse's torso with legs has been placed on the pedestal, and assembly will continue on Sunday, said Lucie Rónová, project coordinator, to ČTK.
    The author of the work is painter and sculptor Jaroslav Róna, who created the four-ton statue in three years. Other parts include the horse's tail, torso, and head of the rider, along with a spear. The city paid nearly seven million crowns for the statue, and the ceremonial unveiling is scheduled for Wednesday on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of the establishment of Czechoslovakia. "After assembly, the statue needs to be patinated," Rónová noted.
    The statue of Jobst is an allegory of Courage and will complement the current allegorical elements in the square based on the Greek philosopher Plato. These include Justice, Temperance, and Prudence. The location for the statue is symbolic, as Jobst is buried in St. Thomas Church.
    Jobst of Luxembourg lived from 1351 to 1411, he was the son of Moravian Margrave John Henry, making him a nephew of the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV. According to historians, he was one of the greatest politicians born in Moravia. He inherited the title of Moravian Margrave from his father, and in 1410 was elected Roman King, although he died shortly thereafter. During his reign, he restored the mint in Brno and was known for his scholarship and erudition.
    There is already one statue of Jobst in today's Moravian Square, located a few dozen meters from where the new one will be placed. The ruler in stone form supports the entrance to the former governor's building.