Abstrack Jagellonian goldmongery The theme of Jagellonian goldmongery opens the subject issue of the second half of the 15th century to the first half of the 16th century, still overlapping deep into the Renaissance times. It is an art that, in many respects, was inspired by the pre-images from the Luxebourgish times, which had deeply influenced cultural happening in the country. Modern tendencies were adopted creating together with the earlier traditions a distinctive blend of transient art. Jagellonian jewels are mainly reliquiary busts of St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert. They are considered the preserved presciousness of the dome's treasure. On these a precious metal is carved and modelled according to a sculptural method. The notional peak is not represented by these works alone yet it is a collection of works from which we can compile an evolutionary line that enables us to view the period of the Jagellonian reign in our country. Keywords Jagellonian goldmongery, dome's treasure, reliquiary bust, Jagellonian Po et znak (v etn mezer): 116 940

The aim of the disseration is to discuss forms of commemorative art. The main focus is given to the development of micro-architectural elements as well as medieval liturgical practices. The dissertation briefly summarises historical, economic and cultural factors between 1300-1450 and their influence on the rise of gentry, guilds and merchants. They, together with the royals and clergy, were becoming influential commissioners of art at that time. English sacred buildings are not as soaring as those on the European continent. Several earthquakes are taken into account when discussing this specific character of English medieval architecture. A vast church interior space encouraged a development of micro- architectural structures. Mutual influences beween macro-architecture of buildings and micro-architecure of monuments is researched on an art-historical basis. Micro-architecture in England is very ornamental indeed. The term Decorated Style is used. English churches and cathedrals are impressive in terms of size. Their interiors offer lavishness of micro-architecture. Keywords English medieval architecture. Commemorative and votive art. Chantry chapels. The Black Death. The cult of the saints in the Middle Ages.

This diploma thesis deals with mural painting of the 13th and 14th centuries in the northwest Bohemia. The first part describes a brief history of medieval mural painting in the region. The most important part of the thesis consists of separate essays on places with surviving murals, i.e. mural cycles from Krupka, Brozany, Slavětín, Dobroměřice, Bedřichův Světec, Židovice, Radonice, Černochov, Volyně, Roudníky, Bečov nad Teplou and Potvorov. These chapters always have two parts: first existing literature on a particular location is critically evaluated and then a description and style and iconographic analysis are conducted. The thesis is specifically concerned with those who ordered the murals, including both famous aristocratic families and monastic communities. For this reason, even localities beyond the borders of the specified region are included, because they are connected with the topic by the donors.

The thesis is focused on Marian devotion with great emphasis on Rosary. In regard on this matter papers presents Olomouc as an important catholic town of Central Europe. Result of this development are unique monuments, concretely rare mural paintings. Presented thesis includes five chapters that deals with political and social history of the town, just as global development of Marian devotion and Rosary in Europe, together with acceptance of these ideas and establishment of Rosary Confraternity in Olomouc. The most important aims of thesis are: to particularize knowledge of confraternities in town, of their activity and operations and to conduct a complex iconographic analyse of wall paintings with pinpoint of their donators. And last but not least to discuss the still unreflected inscriptions on the wall of the Chapel of St John the Baptist of St Wenceslas Cathedral in Olomouc.

This thesis traces the phenomenon of American Southern Gothic literature in relation to its most integral part: the exaggerated monstrosity. Even though the prevalent distorted images are usually associated with aesthetic decadence, their moral symbolism should not be neglected. Furthermore, since the Gothic tradition is congruent with the unconscious and irrational, the absence of any psychological interest poses a major limitation in the Southern studies. Drawing on this approach, the following thesis investigates the role of deformities in connection to the individual's mind. Thus, aside from the literary historical concerns that arise within the context of the American South, the main aim of this thesis is to determine whether there is a link between the distortion and psychological trauma of the Southern past. The selected topic is approached from an interdisciplinary point of view; apart from literary history (E.A. Poe, W. Faulkner), Freudian definition of unconsciousness will be likewise employed. I hereby hope my findings may significantly broaden and contribute to the conceptualization of deformities in regards to the context of the American South, more specifically within the historical, literary and psychological field of Southern studies. Key words: American, South, Gothic, Deformity,...

A conventional army is required to meet many needs and face many threats. However, when conventional warfare methods do not make the cut, Special Operations and Special Forces become a necessity. However, there exists few theories that sufficiently explain how Special Forces units around the world accomplishes these Special Operations. One of the few researches who has developed a theory regarding Special Operations is William H. McRaven with his theory of relative superiority.    McRaven´s theory proposes that there are six principles which determine the success of a Special Forces unit´s ability to plan, prepare and execute a Special Operation. The aim of the study is to understand McRaven´s theory´s explanatory power in explaining the results of Operation Neptune Spear and Operation Gothic Serpent.   This study concludes that Operation Neptune spear attained almost all of the required principles. However, Operation Gothic serpent lacked half of the required principles. In order to create a favourable relation, one must create synergy between the principles in order to achieve relative superiority. The study concludes by illustrating that McRaven´s theory´s explanatory power increased.

Various contemporary female authors deploy supernatural motifs portrayed through or alongside diverse forms of intermediality in texts which thematise the patriarchal oppression of women. In order to throw light on this phenomenon, this thesis investigates the intermedial relations and supernatural motifs of Carmen Maria Machado’s novella “Especially Heinous: 272 Views of Law & Order: SVU”, and their relation to the political themes of the text. The analysis is based on the method of intermediality, primarily on Lars Elleström’s and Irina O. Rajewsky’s categorisations of intermedial relations. The supernatural motifs are situated within the hybrid context of the gothic and magical realism, and understood as an expression of strangeness. The analysis of this thesis finds that media transformation in combination with supernatural motifs serve to visualise oppressive and violent structures that are typically obscured. What is more, the similarities and tensions between intermediality and supernatural strangeness emphasise the dread and confusion produced in the encounter with uncanny or eerie societal forces. Finally, the tension and the resistance that arise where supernatural strangeness and intermediality meet illustrate a fundamental dilemma of communication: that it is always mediated, and thus, always incomplete.

The first part of the paper deals with the mural paintings on a Christological theme decorating the northern and eastern walls of the High Gothic ambulatory, which is a part of the National cultural monument Přemyslid Castle. Last Judgement, Annunciation, Adoration of the Magi and Adoration of the Shepherds are depicted on the northern side of the cloister. On the opposite wall between the windows there is a representation of two donators. The eastern front of the ambulatory is decorated with scenes depicting the Crucifixion, Lamentation, Resurrection and Christ with the Arma Christi. Paintings are dated successively from the late 15th century to the first two decades of the 16th century. The different dating of paintings, of course, demonstrates various inspirational sources. The study also reflects many recent discoveries that reveal the origins of the decoration of the cloister. These paintings were probably commissioned by members of the Olomouc Chapter, who were in close contact with Humanistic Societas Maierhofiana. Further the paper focuses on the wall paintings in the John the Baptist' Chapel, where the scenes adorn not only the walls, but also the vault of the eastern field. The frescos were probably created between 1493 and 1517 by the hands of several painters.

- Master Wenceslas of Trident and mural painting of Bohemian origin in area of Trentino around 1400 This thesis primarily deals with cycles of mural painting associated with so called Master Wenceslas of Trento. This painter has been probably trained in Bohemia, but is attested for the first time at the court of Prince-Bishop of Trento, George of Liechtenstein. The first chapter analyses the current state of research. The history of the Trentino area follows. This part mainly focuses on political relations with Bohemia (2.3) and especially George of Liechtenstein, originally from Moravia (2.4). The following chapters describe individual cycles of painting - the frescoes in Eagl Tower on the castle Buonconsiglio of Trento, the cycle of mural painting in the cemetery chapel in Rifiano, the decoration of the church of St. Charles in Pergine, one scene in the passage under the tower of Meranos Parish Church, and the painting in village Termeno. The analyses of historical sources (8.1) as well as the comparison of each cycle led to the conclusion that the painter was the leader of a court workshop of Bishop George of Liechtenstein, which broke up in 1407. Then Wenceslas left to Merano. Wenceslas' personal style has evident signs of his training in Bohemia during the 70's of the 14th century, his contact...

The Astwerk like late gothic natural decor in Bohemian lands with international kontext Abstract The diploma thesis presents introduction to problems of naturalistic dekor and use of the motif cut branches / astwerk in Bohemian lands. The focus will be primarily using in the field of sculpture of stone. There will be explained starting area use of astwerk decor, way to the Bohemian lands and Moravia, followed by the development of a retreat in the context of the Renaissance. After a critical review of the literature the work will indicate a chapter on cultural-historical context. The situation in the Bohemian lands after the Hussite wars will be introduced, when in insecure religious circumstances was chosen King Vladislav Jagiello in Kutna Hora, and so begins a new period of prosperity of the country again. Mentioned also will be his representative program in response to Charles IV. Soon Vladislav Jagiello also became King of Hungary and change the new seat to Buda. The influence of the character of the change should be noted. Above it is meant unbroken artistic production and later inspiration the early Renaissance form. The subchapter is a courtly art especially during the reign of Vladislav Jagiello. In this part there are presented foremost works and their authors also including B. Ried. In this...