In the history of culture, the cave represents a manifold symbol, a fascinating natural phenomenon, and a place associated with myths and legends. Before caves captured the attention of scientists, their popularity reached a peak as a subject matter in the visual arts. There were depictions of imaginary cave spaces with figures of hermits, as well as of real locations. The manners and motivations of these works document the great variety of meanings with which the cave was associated: it could have been a mere curiosity or, in other cases, a place expressing the contemplative relationship between Man and God, or Man and Nature.

Curator: Petr Šámal

Trade Fair Palace ⁠–⁠⁠ 4th floor
Veletržní palác ⁠–⁠⁠ 4. patro

National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace