Perhaps nothing embodies Czech black humor quite like a dead horse hanging upside down. This is the Kůň Statue. It resides here in Lucerna Passage. This isn’t just any horse. It’s part of David Černý’s satirical sculpture.
The Kůň Statue presents Saint Wenceslas riding an inverted dead horse. The horse’s tongue hangs out. It mocks traditional displays of Czech pride. You might wonder why this bizarre image exists.
David Černý created this piece in 1999. Initially, it was displayed on Wenceslas Square. In 2000, it found its permanent home in Lucerna Passage. The Kůň Statue is made of polystyrene foam and epoxy resins. It stands 470 cm tall and 290 cm long.
The location itself adds another layer to the story. Lucerna Passage is an Art Nouveau shopping center built in 1920. Václav Havel’s grandfather built it. The Havel family still owns part of the property.
Some say an aunt of President Václav Havel commissioned the Kůň Statue. She was a royalist. She wanted the statue to symbolize persistence. She hoped for the restoration of the Czech monarchy. According to the story, the king will ride the dead horse until then.
The Kůň Statue is often interpreted as a parody. It critiques the traditional statue of St. Wenceslas. The original statue stands at the top of Wenceslas Square. It depicts Wenceslas on a majestic steed.
Some see the Kůň Statue as an attack on Czech President Václav Klaus. Saint Wenceslas was a pious leader. Riding a dead horse hardly puts the president in an effective position.
Černý rarely comments on his works. However, this piece reflects the state of the Czech Republic. It is non-functional and absurd.
Locals have a unique way to refer to the original St. Wenceslas statue. They call it “under the tail”. This refers to the horse’s tail. David Černý’s Kůň Statue offers a more shocking image.
Consider visiting the Cafe Kino on the upper level. It provides a great view of the Kůň Statue. From there, you can contemplate Černý’s controversial creation. The Kůň Statue is a modern twist on Czech history. It embodies the nation’s penchant for the absurd.