The year 2016 carries the spirit of Charles IV., on 14th May it was exactly 700 years since he was born. The touring exhibition, prepared by the Charles University in Prague in cooperation with the National Gallery in Prague, includes the total of 15 text panels with accompanying pictorial motifs.

Charles IV., the Emperor on Four Thrones, deeply religious man, believed in the Judeo-classical tradition of European civilization. And the exhibition is supposed to express the relationship of the current Czech Republic to the significance of Charles IV. as an European Emperor. Historical relation of the Czech lands as an integral part of the European politics is interwoven by the basic elements of European culture, which is undoubtedly based on values, professed by Charles IV. – the Christianity and humanism.

The exhibition will be presented to the public in Arlon because Charles IV. is closely related to this town in Luxembourg, the province of Belgium. His great-grandmother Ermesinde, countess of Luxembourg, established the Abbey of Clairefontaine that is situated four kilometres away from and it became her last resting place. Besides that, brother of Charles IV., Wenceslaus, is buried in a crypt at the now-ruined Abbaye d'Orval near Arlon. Therefore, Charles IV. is well-known in this province and local people take pride in the Czech emperor.

The touring exhibition presents Charles IV. not only as a steadfast politician, but also as an ordinary man, who has common concerns of everyday’s life (he fears about the fate of his children –  tries to secure their future, he suffers from diseases, enjoys his life, etc.). All in all, Charles IV. is a historical figure, who sees the world around him in a broader context and uses his faith and education in order to fulfil his own nationally-dynastic conceptions.

The panel exhibition was financially supported by the Ministry of Culture as a part of the accompanying program to the first Czech-Bavarian state exhibition Emperor Charles IV. 1316-2016, which was held from 15th May to 25th September 2016 at the National Gallery in Prague, Wallenstein Palace.

Information about the panel exhibition:

Concept: Jiří Fajt

Text: Milan Rudik, Royt Jan and Jiri Fajt

Coordination and implementation: National Gallery in Prague in cooperation with Charles University

When: from 24th November 2016 to 5th February 2017, opening on 24th Novembet at 6PM

Where: Musée Gaspar, Rue des Martyrs 16, 6700 Arlon