Prague has officially announced its decision to commission the creation of a new replica of the calendar plate for the Old Town Astronomical Clock, which was originally painted by artist Josef Mánes. The new plate will replace the controversial version created by restorer Stanislav Jirčík in 2018, addressing the concerns that arose last year. The city aims to restore the clock’s historical integrity and preserve its cultural significance.

The Prague council recently approved an agreement with Subterra, the company responsible for the reconstruction project, in collaboration with Avers. Under the agreement, Subterra will cover the costs associated with dismantling the existing calendar plate and installing the new replica, including the production of a new copper base plate. The artistic decoration of the new plate will be undertaken by the Academy of Fine Arts, with Prague bearing the associated costs.

The Studio for Restoration of Fine Art Paintings and Polychrome Sculptures at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague will be entrusted with creating the new painting. Their involvement ensures the highest quality and faithful execution of the artwork. According to the agreed-upon document, the preliminary cost of the project, excluding VAT, is estimated to be around one million Czech korunas. Subterra is expected to incur similar expenses for the production and installation of the plate.

The calendar plate holds significant historical value as it was originally crafted by Josef Mánes in 1866 for the Old Town Astronomical Clock. However, due to damage sustained during the 1945 battle for the Old Town Hall, the original plate was moved to a museum for preservation, and a copy created by restorer Bohumil Číla adorned the clock until 2017. Controversy arose when Stanislav Jirčík introduced a “technological copy” that deviated from the original artwork, altering the depiction of figures and incorporating contemporary elements.

The dispute surrounding the previous calendar plate gained international attention, with foreign media covering the story. Prague’s decision to commission a new replica reflects its commitment to addressing the concerns raised by critics and ensuring the preservation of the clock’s historical and artistic integrity. By having the calendar repainted to faithfully represent Josef Mánes’ original work, the city aims to uphold the cultural significance of the Astronomical Clock for future generations.

Article by Prague Forum