Tuesday | 30. 9. 2025 | 16:00
lecture | Meeting Room of the Centre for Medieval Studies of Institute of Philosophy of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Jilská 1, Prague 1
Commemorating Comenius: Monuments and Memorials in the Netherlands,1892–1992
Organized by the Department of Comenius and Intellectual History of the Early Modern Period of Institute of Philosophy
Detailed information
Dr. John Exalto (University of Groningen): Commemorating Comenius: Monuments and Memorials in the Netherlands,1892–1992.
Abstract
The lecture explores the monuments of Comenius in the Netherlands from 1892 to 1992, focusing on how political and cultural developments influenced the perception and appropriation of Comenius in public spaces. Key moments in the placement of these monuments occurred in 1892, 1920, and 1957. Initially, Dutch responses to Comenius monuments were positive, recognizing his broader significance beyond being a national icon of Czechoslovakia. However, during the Cold War, the Dutch government was hesitant to accept a new Comenius statue due to political tensions, although it was ultimately accepted without political fanfare. An incident in the 1970s, involving a clash over interpretations of freedom, highlighted further strain in relations between the Netherlands and Czechoslovakia.
