Conservation of the St. Vitus Mosaic in Prague

A new protection system that prevents corrosion, allowing the monumental medieval mosaic to be seen once again by visitors

Project Details

Wide view of a mosaic at the Prague Castle after conservation and regilding

About

Goal

For most of its existence the brilliant colors of The Last Judgment mosaic on St. Vitus Cathedral were rendered invisible, covered over by a layer of corrosion that repeatedly formed after each cleaning. The corrosion continued into the 20th century without a long-term solution. The goal of the Conservation of St. Vitus Mosaic project was the development of a coatings system for the protection of the mosaic surface that would prevent the reforming of the corrosion layer after cleaning.

Outcomes

  • historical, scientific, and conservation articles on the project
  • a project symposium and related publication
  • a video on the project

Background

Located on the south facade of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle, The Last Judgment is considered the most important exterior monumental medieval mosaic north of the Alps. The mosaic encompasses 84 square meters (904 square feet) and depicts the Last Judgment in triptych form. It was completed in 1371 at the request of Charles IV, king of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, who, during his reign, made Prague the empire's center of power, religion, and knowledge. Thirty-one shades of colored glass, plus gilded tesserae, can be found in the approximately one million glass pieces that compose the mosaic. Originally, the entire background of the mosaic was gilded, hence the name of the southern portal of the cathedral—the Golden Gate.

Project History

Partners

Office of the President of the Czech Republic; The Prague Castle Administration

Resources