The exhibition The Art of Wax explores the fascinating world of ceroplastics, the art and craft of creating objects in wax. Rare exhibits trace the development of wax art from the 16th century to the present day, ranging from religious reliefs and devotional objects to realistic portraits and contemporary sculptures.
Visitors will see unique objects from the collections of the National Museum, accompanied by loans from major Czech institutions and private collections. Highlights include a small wax bust of Emperor Rudolf II from the early 17th century, portrait figures of members of the British royal family from the late 19th century, and a wax figure of the Infant Jesus displayed in a glass case.
The exhibition also presents the results of research into wax materials and offers an insight into the work of specialists involved in the conservation and restoration of wax objects. In this way, it presents ceroplastics not only as a remarkable historical phenomenon, but also as a living part of contemporary artistic practice.
The exhibition is the result of the NAKI III project Ceroplastics – Research and Development of Restoration Technology.
