Statue of the Madonna and Child in Cieszyn

The statue of the Madonna and Child stands on Stary Targ in Cieszyn. It is a copy of a Gothic sculpture from the 14th century; the original is now displayed in a museum.

The original and the copy

The original was made around 1368-1369 and is linked to Peter Parler. Art historians believe, however, that it was made by a sculptor from his workshop, since Parler was in Prague at the time. In 1844 the sandstone statue was moved from beneath Cieszyn Castle to the town market square, where it stood until 2000.

Conservation work carried out in 2000 revealed the Gothic character of the work beneath layers of paint. The original, known as the Cieszyn Madonna, is on the permanent exhibition of the Museum of Cieszyn Silesia, and a copy stands on the plinth.

What the statue looks like

The sculpture is 123 cm high, almost life-size. Mary holds the Child, wears a narrow dress with puffed sleeves and a wide cloak decorated with fringes. The face is serious but lively rather than idealised, which is linked to early neorealism in Gothic art.

Practical information

• Place: Stary Targ in Cieszyn; the sculpture stands in a public space.
• Nearby are the Printing Museum and the Rotunda of St Nicholas.
• Look for the original in the Museum of Cieszyn Silesia; check visiting hours before your visit.