Horses in Tutus exhibition recalls the splendor of the Imperial Court Leopold I.

NEWS | 23. 6. 2017

Nearly a million golds were paid in 1667 by the Roman Emperor and Czech King Leopold I for a grand horse ballet in the Hofburg in Vienna in honor of his marriage to his first wife, Markéta Tereza. For comparison - behind the opera house, although it was wooden, he gave about forty thousand gold. Just a pompous celebration in the courtyard of Leopold I, spectacular scenes, plays playing mythological heroes or ballet, is mapping up to October 1 a new exhibition in the Archdiocesan Museum of Kroměříž Horses in the Piskot.

"We will present visitors to the exhibition in the castle in Kroměříž in the courtyard of Emperor Leopold I (1640-1705). We are based on preserved recordings of theater performances, fireworks and also ballet - and the horse. It is from this that the name of the exhibition Horses in piškoty is derived, "explained curator Miroslav Kindl of the organizing Olomouc Art Museum.

Leopolds greatest rival, not only on the battlefield, but especially in the field of art, was the famous French King of the Sun - Ludvík XIV in the middle of the 17th century. Their rivalry proves that festivities may not be just a pleasure. In the name of state and rulers propaganda, leading composers of opera, horses and people danced. All these artists documented in the royal courts. Thanks to them, the pictorial and graphic descriptions of the Paris and Vienna festivals spread across Europe. "We will present artists and works by librettists, composers, scenographers, painters, graphic artists and fireworks of the second half of the 17th century. Visitors will also offer unique Baroque theatrical costumes, which are original, no copies. You will see the original props or, for example, saddle and harness harness, "says Miroslav Kindl.

In addition, on the weekend of 2 and 3 September, the Hortus Magicus Baroque Culture Festival will be connected with the exhibition Horses in Pistols, which will show the life style of Leopold I in the Kroměříž Flower Garden, including a ballet ballet show of old-fashioned horses.