AFTER THE BATTLE OF VÍTKOV HILL

During the Hussite Wars, the famous battle for Prague took place between the forces of Hussite general Jan Zizka of Trocnov and Emperor Sigismund. After the death of King Wenceslas IV, Sigismund claimed the Czech throne as he was his younger brother.

A large imperial army composed of mercenaries from all over Europe besieged Prague. The citizens of Prague appealed to Jan Zizka for help in battle. As an experienced commander, he used the strategic position of the Vítkov Hill to defend the city. Jan Zizka single-handedly defended this key location with a group of 26 men, 2 women, and 1 girl. After a long battle, the mercenaries reached Zizkas defensive huts. The citizens of Prague seized this opportunity and decided to attack the enemy forces from behind along the unguarded path. This caused confusion among the enemy, and in a panic, many soldiers died on the steep slopes.

The painting presents the scene where Jan Zizka in a red cloak, along with the victors, participates in a Thanksgiving service under the Vítkov Hill. Before him on the ground lie captured weapons. A priest holds the host at a field altar, while the other priests, lying humbly face down, thank God for the victory. A man playing field organs sits behind the altar on a wicker basket. A young warrior bandages his wounds by the roadside while a woman nurses a child as a symbol of a new generation. In the background on the left, the Poriczská Gate with the walls of Prague is prominently lit, and on the right, the Vítkov Hill emerges, which is now an integral part of the capital, marked by the monument to Jan Zizka.