Modern Imitation of the Zahražanská Madonna

Exhibit of the Month 7 / 2021

The Miraculous Madonna of Zahražany was the most significant pilgrimage monument of the Most region. It used to be located in a chapel on the site of a medieval monastery in Zahražany. It was especially venerated during the Baroque period, when thousands of supplicants and pilgrims flocked to Most. It was the most important Patroness of the city of Most.

The modern imitation of the Gothic sculpture of the Zahražanská Madonna is now the EXHIBIT OF THE MONTH OF JULY. Due to the popularity of the original Gothic statue, younger imitations were created, which were used to support the cult of the Virgin Mary of Zahražany in other places as well. They formally reflected the appearance of the original, particularly the characteristic curvature of the lower part (legs) of the Virgin Mary, which stems from the well-known legend of the Zahražany miracle from 1421. At that time, both Most and Zahražany were attacked by the Hussites. One of the fighters wanted to destroy the statue, but it dodged the sword strike and spoke. The Hussite fell to his knees in humility before the Virgin Mary, and the statue was saved, but the curvature remained.

The presented stone statue at the museum reception dates from the 18th - 19th century and has been part of the collections for over a hundred years. Its original location is unknown.

An impression of an engraving depicting the Zahražanská Madonna. The drawing was based on this Gothic sculpture representing the Zahražanská Madonna, who was the most important Patroness of the city of Most (it is now housed in the National Gallery).