Lot 05

GOTHIC SCULPTURE OF SAINT AGNES OF BOHEMIA

The large statue of St. Agnes of Bohemia, who carries the church in her right hand and holds the drapery with her left hand, was probably originally created as a statue of St. Anne, but with the later (probably Baroque) carving of the church near her body, it was changed to this historical figure from the Přemyslid family who was canonized in 1989. She was already favoured by Charles IV and was celebrated by the Jesuits during the Baroque period. As a royal daughter, they wanted to marry Agnes not only to kings but also to emperors. However, she preferred to serve the humble Christ and live in perfect poverty. She founded the Hospitaller Brotherhood, which became the Order of the Crusaders with the Red Star, and the first convent of Poor Clares in Prague.