Journeys in Bohemia's Inspired Landscapes

Like the Renaissance from which it evolved, the Baroque period did much to shape European culture then and even now. The art of both periods focused on religious themes, but Baroque artists brought heightened drama and dynamism to their depiction in paintings and sculpture. This lavishly illustrated book uses the story of two generations of master sculptors, the Patzak family (in Czech, Pacák), to recount the creative forces at work 350 years ago in one corner of the continent, Bohemia. Georg Franz Patzak (in Czech, Jií Frantiek Pacák), (1670-1742), the primary of the three Patzak artists, was born a serf of German-Czech origins in the Kingdom of Bohemia and used his immense talent and intelligence to rise above his humble origins and become one of the great artistic personalities of his time. Considered by leading art historians to be the rightful successor to the master Mathias Braun himself, Patzak's life, works, and unique presence in key phases of Bohemia's history provide the perfect narrative framework to create understanding and awaken interest in preserving these and other works of art, many of which remain threatened by neglect and environmental degradation. Not a mere art history text, Journeys in Bohemia's Inspired Landscapes spans a wide range of art, religion, history, tourism, theatre, personal anecdotes, and human interest across centuries right through to contemporary history, and explains the origin of the family name Patzak A unique collaboration of international experts, authors and photographers, this collection of essays and photography will engage readers of all ages with tales of visionary (and wealthy) noblemen, single-minded artisans, patriotic playwrights among other compelling figures, against a sweep of history from Jesuit churches to Nazi concentration camps. The 16 detailed car itineraries will lead to lesser-known parts of Eastern Bohemia where visitors can experience the Patzaks' work firsthand. But even armchair travelers will enjoy learning about and viewing these sculptural masterpieces, which have been beautifully photographed in situ, bringing to life the genius of an important period and location of Europe's artistic patrimony.

Auteur
Dr. Heinz Patzak, an international tourism expert, holds a PhD in economics from the University of Vienna. A past U.S. Chair of the European Travel Commission, he directed Austria's national tourist offices in the U.S. and France, with innovative branding and marketing programs. As a consultant, he assisted countries as varied as Egypt and Costa Rica with tourism development. In addition to his professional duties, Dr. Patzak has a wide-ranging interest in art, history, world culture, and conservation. Werner H. Honal, born in Prague, has studied and worked in Munich since 1962. A past chair of the Bavarian Philologists Association, he taught school counseling at the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, and at various high schools, headed a counseling center, and is a long-time volunteer with church youth. Interest in his maternal Patzak ancestors in East Bohemia led him to research Sudeten German genealogy, and he now heads the office of the Sudeten German Genealogical Archive.