On the epigraphic self-presentation of Bohemian towns at the turn of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period
On the epigraphic self-presentation of Bohemian towns at the turn of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period

Summary/Abstract: In Bohemian municipal inscriptions, various forms of epigraphic selfpresentationcan be observed from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the ThirtyYears’ War. They are interesting also in the Central European context, which mustalways be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, the terms of “municipalinscriptions” and self-representation and the research method can be defined withvarious breadth. Special attention of the paper is devoted to Prague’s Old and NewTowns. In this context, the most important is the group of inscriptions thecommissioner or subject of which is the town as an institution, or its self-governingbodies. The paper further deals with large groups of inscriptions of the municipalcorporations (especially guilds) and inscriptions of individual commissioners, whichare mainly of a private character. The self-representation can be perceived both inthe presentation of the actual significance of the town generally and in relation to itshistorical, political and confessional attitudes and engagement, but also to the ethicsand jurisdiction, construction and donor activities as well as property management,personal representation, etc.

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