Jan Hus 

Frantisek Bílek made this woodcut print called "Jan Hus." The image depicts the Czech priest and philosopher Jan Hus, a religious reformer who was burned at the stake for heresy in 1415. Bílek’s print presents Hus as an almost ghostly figure ascending a staircase, perhaps to heaven, while shadowed figures huddle below, suggesting a fearful populace. Bílek was deeply engaged with religious and nationalistic themes, reflecting the cultural context of early 20th-century Bohemia. The print, made without a specified date, gains meaning when considered against the backdrop of Czech national aspirations and religious reform movements. Hus was a potent symbol of Czech identity and resistance to foreign domination. Bílek’s focus on Hus reflects the progressive, nationalistic sentiments of the time and the institutional struggle between the Czech people and the Catholic Church. Understanding this work requires looking into the history of Czech nationalism, the Hussite movement, and Bílek’s personal engagement with religious themes to fully appreciate the print's socio-political resonances.