Momenty osudové volby a systémy rovnováhy ve vizuálních programech raného novověku
Moments of the Fatal Choice and Systems of Balance in Visual Programmes of Early Modern Period

Summary/Abstract: Almost all visual allegorical iconographical programmes of early modern period are connected with Ancient literary and theatre topoi. Their development is related to the development of systems of virtues and vices that are closely interconnected with literary sources. In early modern period they frequently correspond to the area of so-called moral philosophy, mnemonics and emblematics. As early as in the 14th century Francesco Petrarca specified basic limits of this trend. In the 16th century names such as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Juan Luis Vives and Sebastian Brant are necessary to mention as well as personalities connected with reformation (Martin Luther, Filip Melanchton, Justus Lipsius etc.). Iconographical programmes have often a didactical foundation and are related to humanistically oriented schools and aristocratic courts. The important point of their structure are moments of the neuralgic choice or decision, alternatively aspects necessary to maintain balance (in a relation to neo-stoic philosophy). In this context it may be mentioned the Pythagorean Y and the allegory Hercules in bivio that comes out from it, then the allegory of the way of life called Tabula cebetis or the theological allegory of the Law and the Grace built on a principle of a biblical typology. These motifs pervade the ideology of Christian knighthood based predominantly on the Epistle to the Ephesians written by Saint Paul. The virtuous way used to be more difficult but is ended by bliss; the easier way, which is oft en accompanied by Fortune, leads to condemnation. That is why the figure of Fortune performs one of the elements which virtues or figures representing virtues deal with (Hercules such as virtus generalis etc.). The antipole is represented by characters that are led astray by Fortune and pleasure (e. g. Paris, who gave Venus a golden apple). Stories are rewritten from literary sources into theatre scripts. After that, their basic features pass from street performances into oral traditions and may be recognized in fairytale myths to the present. It is possible to discover them also in concepts of fine art preserved until nowadays, for instance sgraffiti from the 16th century in Jihlava, Telč, Velké Meziříčí or decorations of Knight Halls in Pardubice castle.

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