WENCESLAUS HOLLAR BOHEMUS – THE LANGUAGE OF NEEDLE AND BURIN
Co-operating with the Slovak National Gallery in Bratislava, the Museum of Czech Literature has grounded a unique virtual project that shows a collection of graphic arts pieces by one outstanding 17th century Baroque engraver. The collection of etchings by Václav Hollar entitled Wenceslaus Hollar Bohemus – The Language of Needle and Burin in full print quality is exceptionally available to the public from November 2nd, 2017 on e-vystavy.pamatniknarodnihopisemnictvi.cz. It is the first time ever in the Czech Republic when a remarkable collection of works by Václav Hollar has been made accessible by the Museum of Czech Literature. Containing about 200 graphic arts pieces the exhibition is absolutely extraordinarily available for free public use. It is the first portion of visually accessible exhibitions from our fonds that will be added to in coming years by more pieces by the famous artists from our collections. The year 2017 witnesses anniversaries commemorating Václav Hollar, the eminent Baroque European graphic artist and draughtsman, who devoted his life to depicting harmonic themes in the restless war period in the 17th century. Events celebrate the 410th anniversary of his birth, the 340th of his death; and 390 years after his departure when he -aged 20 - left his home Prague to abandon the country for good. He had created 400 preparatory drawings and 3,000 etchings in his career that grabbed attention of numerous European and foreign collectors and cultural institutions. The Museum of Czech Literature has arranged the exceptional opportunity to download favourite engravings by Václav Hollar to mark these anniversaries.
