Matthias Braun, Czech sculptor (b. 1684)

Matthias Bernard Braun, known in Czech as Matyáš Bernard Braun, was a towering figure in Central European Baroque art, born on 24 February 1684 in Sautens near Innsbruck and passing away on 15 February 1738 in Prague. This exceptionally gifted sculptor and carver was primarily active in the historic Czech lands, where his dynamic and emotionally charged works firmly established him as one of the most prominent late Baroque sculptors of his era. His sculptures are celebrated for their dramatic intensity, expressive figures, and profound spiritual depth, embodying the quintessential qualities of the High Baroque style.

Early Life and Artistic Formation

Born as the fifth child to Jacob Braun and Magdalene (née Neureuter), Matthias Bernard Braun’s artistic journey began with rigorous apprenticeship. His early training took him through significant artistic centers in Austria, notably Salzburg, before he embarked on a formative period in Italy. This crucial Italian sojourn included studies in artistic hubs like Venice, Bologna, and Rome, where he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Italian sculpture and drawing.

The Crucial Italian Influence

The Italian influence on Braun’s oeuvre is unequivocally the most prominent and defining characteristic of his style. During his time in Italy, he meticulously studied and drew inspiration from the titans of Italian art:

• Michelangelo Buonarroti: From the High Renaissance master, Braun absorbed a profound understanding of monumental form, anatomical precision, and the power of expressive human figures.
• Gian Lorenzo Bernini: The undisputed master of the Roman Baroque, Bernini's revolutionary approach to sculpture—characterized by dramatic movement, intense emotion, theatricality, and the masterful rendering of drapery—profoundly shaped Braun's artistic vision. Braun's work often reflects Bernini's ability to capture a fleeting, ecstatic moment.
• The Venetian Sculptural School of the 17th Century: This school further enriched his understanding of texture, narrative composition, and the use of light and shadow to enhance dramatic effect.

Through this deep engagement with Italian artistic heritage, Braun emerged as a preeminent propagator of Italian-provenience sculpture within the Central European context. He brought the sophisticated, dynamic, and emotionally resonant ideals of the Italian Baroque to Bohemia, introducing a new level of artistic expression previously unseen in the region.

Arrival in Prague and the Dawn of a Masterpiece

Sometime before 1710, Matthias Braun arrived in Prague, already a fully accomplished artist adept at creating complex compositions, primarily from sandstone. He quickly made Bohemia his home, establishing deep roots by finding his wife and friends there, and eventually becoming a citizen of the New Town of Prague. His integration into the vibrant Bohemian artistic scene was swift and impactful.

The Vision of St. Luthgard: A Breakthrough Commission

Braun's very first major public commission in Prague, the breathtaking statuary of the Vision of St. Luthgard (Czech: Vidění sv. Luitgardy), completed in 1710, immediately captivated the art world and brought him widespread acclaim. Situated on the iconic Charles Bridge in Prague—a veritable outdoor gallery of Baroque sculpture—this work is a profound embodiment of Baroque theatricality and emotional intensity. It depicts the blind Cistercian nun, St. Luthgard, experiencing a vision of Christ, who appears to her and offers his wounds for her to kiss. The sculpture’s dynamic composition, swirling drapery, and deeply moving portrayal of spiritual ecstasy resonate with the dramatic flair of Bernini, demonstrating Braun's mastery and innovative style. This single masterpiece not only secured his reputation but also led to an influx of new orders and commissions, cementing his status as a leading artist in the Czech capital.

The Flourishing Workshop and Enduring Legacy

The immense success of the Vision of St. Luthgard allowed Braun to establish the largest and most influential sculptor's workshop in Prague. By approximately 1725, his workshop employed a substantial team, including six journeymen, and generated a considerable annual income of around 900 golden (a very significant sum for the period, indicative of the high demand for his art). The sheer volume of commissions for Prague's opulent palaces, grand gardens, sacred churches, and numerous other sites across Bohemia soon outstripped even his formidable capacity. This challenge was further exacerbated by his progressively worsening battle with tuberculosis. Consequently, Braun often focused on creating the initial designs and detailed models, while his skilled cooperators executed the larger sculptural forms, with Braun himself providing the final, masterful touches to ensure the artistic integrity and quality of each piece. Despite his prolific career and five children, none of his offspring continued his artistic legacy. Matthias Bernard Braun passed away in Prague in 1738, leaving behind an unparalleled body of work.

Matthias Braun's Most Celebrated Works

Braun's legacy is defined by a series of monumental and deeply expressive works that continue to draw admiration:

• Kuks Hospital Statuary: Commissioned by the enlightened patron Count František Antonín Špork, the complex at Kuks in Bohemia stands as a testament to Braun's genius.
• Allegories of Virtues and Vices: Perhaps his most famous collection, these magnificent allegorical statues, dynamically rendered with intense psychological depth and emotional expression, adorn the Kuks Hospital. They represent a profound meditation on morality and human experience.
• The Bethlehem (Betlém): Near Kuks, Braun carved a monumental landscape sculpture directly into the sandstone rocks. This extraordinary work, featuring scenes from the Nativity, hermits, and local legends, created a unique natural gallery that harmoniously blends art with its environment.
• Statues of Dwarfs: At the Kuks race-course, a series of forty picturesque and whimsical statues of dwarfs showcase Braun's versatile imagination, providing a charming contrast to the gravitas of his allegorical figures.
• Charles Bridge, Prague: Beyond St. Luthgard, Braun contributed several other significant statuaries to Prague's most iconic bridge, further enriching its Baroque sculptural program.
• St. Kliment's Church, Prague: His works adorn the interiors of this important Jesuit church, showcasing his profound religious artistry.
• Holy Trinity Pillar, Teplice: A prime example of a common Baroque monument, this stone pillar in Teplice demonstrates his skill in civic and devotional sculpture.
• Czernin Palace, Prague: Braun’s sculptures grace the interiors of this grand aristocratic residence, reflecting the opulence and artistic taste of the Bohemian nobility.

Matthias Bernard Braun’s enduring impact is recognized even today; an asteroid, number 6768, discovered in 1983, was named Mathiasbraun in his honor, a fitting tribute to a star of the Baroque age.

Frequently Asked Questions about Matthias Bernard Braun

When and where was Matthias Bernard Braun born and did he die?

Matthias Bernard Braun was born on 24 February 1684 in Sautens near Innsbruck and died on 15 February 1738 in Prague.

What style of sculpture is Matthias Bernard Braun known for?

He is primarily known as one of the most prominent late Baroque sculptors active in the Czech lands, characterized by dynamic compositions, intense emotion, and dramatic expression.

Which Italian masters significantly influenced Braun's work?

Braun was deeply inspired by Italian masters such as Michelangelo Buonarroti, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the Venetian sculptural school of the 17th century.

What is considered Matthias Braun's breakthrough work in Prague?

His statuary of the Vision of St. Luthgard (Czech: Vidění sv. Luitgardy) from 1710, located on Charles Bridge in Prague, is widely considered his breakthrough work.

What are some of Matthias Braun's most famous works at Kuks?

At Kuks, his most famous works include the allegories of Virtues and Vices, the monumental rock-cut sculptures known as The Bethlehem, and the picturesque statues of dwarfs at the race-course, all commissioned by Count František Antonín Špork.