07 works, Today, September 28th, is Saint Wenceslas' day, his story illustrated #270

Unknown artist

Saint Wenceslas

Czech Institute of Monuments

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Wenceslas I, also called Saint Wenceslas, (born c. 907, Stochov, near Prague—died Sept. 28, 929, Stará Boleslav, Bohemia), prince of Bohemia, martyr, and patron saint of the Czech Republic.

Josef Mathauser

Princess Drahomíra, Prince Václav and Ludmila

Oil on canvas

33.3 x 21.5 cm | 13.1 x 8.5 inches

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Josef Mathauser (24 July 1846 in Staňkov – 10 January 1917 in Prague) was a Czech Romantic painter. He is known for his religious paintings, and for his series of "History of the Czech Nation in Pictures".

Among his religious works are the Stations of the Cross in the Assumption of Mary church in Mariánské Lázně (1886/7) and an altar in the church of St. Peter and Paul, and the restoration of religious scenes at Svatá Hora Monastery near Příbram (1895). More on Josef Mathauser

Wencelas was raised a Christian by his grandmother St. Ludmila, but his ambitious mother, Drahomíra (Dragomir), a pagan, had her murdered and acted as regent herself, until Wenceslas came of age in 924 or 925. Her court intrigues and the wishes of the people to end the conflicts between Christian and non-Christian factions in Bohemia led Wenceslas to take the reins of government. As duke he was pious, reportedly taking a vow of virginity, and encouraged the work of German missionary priests in the Christianization of Bohemia. His zeal in spreading Christianity, however, antagonized his non-Christian opponents.

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Radslav of Kouřim surrenders to St. Wenceslaus after seeing two Angels accompanying him into battle

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According to legend, one Count Radislas rose in rebellion and marched against King Wenceslas. The latter sent a deputation with offers of peace, but Radislas viewed this as a sign of cowardice. The two armies were drawn up opposite each other in battle array, when Wenceslas, to avoid shedding innocent blood, challenged Radislas to single combat. As Radislas advanced toward the king, he saw by Wenceslas' side two angels, who cried: "Stand off!" Thunderstruck, Radislas repented his rebellion, threw himself from his horse at Wenceslas's feet, and asked for pardon. Wenceslas raised him and kindly received him again into favor.

Unknown author

King Henry I, circa 1597-1618

Oil on panel

Height: 58.4 cm (22.9 in); Width: 44.4 cm (17.4 in)

National Portrait Gallery, London

Faced with German invasions in 929, Wenceslas submitted to the German king Henry I the Fowler. His submission provoked some of the nobles to conspire against him, and they prompted his younger brother, Boleslav (Boleslaus), to murder him. 

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Wenceslas is murdered by his brother Boleslaw

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Gumpold of Mantua, Vita of St. Wenzel (Wolfenbüttel, Herzog August Bibliothek, Cod. Guelf. 11.2 Aug. 4 °, fol. 21r, written before 1006). Wenceslas death. From left: Wenceslaus snatches the sword from Boleslav. Boleslav attacks Wenceslas, who takes refuge in the church. A priest closes the door.

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The shrine of the holy king Wenceslas was honored with many miracles

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Waylaid by Boleslav en route to mass, Wenceslas was killed at the church door. Frightened by the reports of miracles occurring at Wenceslas’ tomb, Boleslav had his remains transferred in 932 to the Church of St. Vitus, Prague, which became a great pilgrimage site during the medieval period. Wenceslas was regarded as Bohemia’s patron saint almost immediately after his assassination. His virtues are sung in the Christmas carol (19th century) “Good King Wenceslas.” More on Saint Wenceslas

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 King Wenceslas was crowned martyr

Emma venerates St. Wenceslaus

Vita of St. Wenceslaus

Wolfenbüttel, Herzog

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Emma († 1005/1006) was a Bohemian princess. She lived in Prague Castle as the wife and widow of Boleslav II until 1002. She was also Wenceslaus' sister-in-law.

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