Monument of Master Jan Hus

Near the center of Jičín, on Husova Street (formerly Hradecká), stands the Monument of Master Jan Hus, a significant work by Antonín Sucharda, a sculptor from Nová Paka, created in 1872. This life-sized, classicist sandstone statue portrays Hus in a typical preacher’s pose. With his right hand slightly raised and his gaze fixed toward the heavens, it conveys determination and faith, while his left hand firmly holds a Bible and a chalice—symbols of the Reformation movement. His face is adorned with a beard and longer curly hair covered by a beret. However, the beard is more of an artistic construct, depicting Hus as a Protestant-type heretic—an ascetic man of unwavering faith. In reality, priests of his era were clean-shaven, and Hus was described as shorter and stockier in stature. His attire consists of a pleated robe with wide sleeves and a collar, giving the overall composition a dignified and timeless appearance.

The monument was originally unveiled on July 7, 1872, on the southern side of Husova Street, in front of the garden of the provincial lawyer JUDr. Josef Heindl's house. The ceremony included a theatrical performance of Jan Hus by local amateur actors, and a commemorative coin was minted for the occasion. The inscription on the pedestal highlights the purpose and significance of the work: "To the eternal memory of Master Jan Hus, the citizens of Jičín, 1872." The pedestal also bears the name of the author, Antonín Sucharda of Nová Paka.

Antonín Sucharda Jr. (1843–1911), a prominent sculptor from Nová Paka, came from a respected family of carvers and sculptors. His father, Josef Sucharda, ran a workshop known for its meticulous craftsmanship with both sandstone and wood. Antonín inherited his father's talent and craftsmanship, which he enriched with his own artistic vision after attending several courses at the Prague Academy. During his career, he created numerous statues, reliefs, and monuments marked by his characteristic classicist style and attention to detail. The Monument of Jan Hus in Jičín, the first statue of Hus erected in the Czech lands, is closely tied to the Czech society’s efforts to strengthen national consciousness during the early phase of modern Czech identity formation. This early work is among Sucharda’s most significant creations, earning him recognition on both regional and national levels. Antonín Sucharda was also the father of Stanislav Sucharda, who collaborated with his father’s workshop even after establishing himself as a renowned sculptor in Prague. The figure of Jan Hus, which captivated many Czech artists due to the 1915 jubilee year, became a lifelong theme for Sucharda.

In 1904, Heindl's garden and house were demolished, and the site was replaced by the building of the Civic Savings Bank, designed by Jičín builder Antonín Holeček. The monument was temporarily relocated. In 1926, it was moved to its current location at the corner of Husova and Jungmannova Streets (then Bydžovská), closer to the Sokol Hall. Historical photographs show that not only the location but also the orientation of the statue changed—while it originally faced east, it now faces west. The earlier iron fencing and miniature park were replaced by modest greenery, which still surrounds the statue today.

(GA)