Koninklijke oratorium in de Sint-Vituskathedraal, Hradčany, Praag 1855 - 1868

František Fridrich created this photograph of the Royal Oratory in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague, likely in the late 19th century. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the visual representation of power and religious institutions in Bohemia. The Royal Oratory, with its intricate Gothic details, was a space reserved for the monarch, physically separating them from the general congregation. Fridrich's photograph, made during a period of Czech national revival, can be seen as a document of the Habsburg Empire's presence in Prague. By examining archival materials, such as church records and royal inventories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social dynamics and political symbolism embedded within this architectural space. The photograph serves as a reminder that art and architecture are not neutral; they reflect and reinforce existing power structures.