Description
Wenceslas I or Václav in Czech was one of the first Dukes of Bohemia. He belonged to the Přemyslides Dynasty who ruled over Bohemia from the beginning of the 10thcentury until 1306.
He was assassinated in 929 or 935 under the order of his brother who wanted the dukeship for himself.
He is associated with the christianization of the country which canonized him. He is one of the Patron Saints of Bohemia and Moravia.
The Duke is represented here in arrogance on a rock pedastal. He stands, dressed in a haincelin, with girdle pleats and a rising collar, the belt falling below his hips. An ample overcoat rests on his shoulders, held by a buckle. The folds of his drape cascade to his left side. His regal bonnet sits a top an abudant head of curls that frame his face.
He has a strong jaw, a thin nose, pinched lips, the corner of his eyelids are falling with wrinkles that convey grand nobility and vivacity.