Plaque
Object number2017.033.0043
Mediummetal
Dimensions6.75 × 24 in. (17.1 × 61 cm)
OriginCzechoslovakia
DescriptionA tall, rectangular plaque with cliffs and sparce vegetation worked into 3/4 of its front. A woman lies on one of the cliffs, a look of anguish on her face. Across the bottom of the plaque is the image of a baby sitting amongst hundreds of gold coins. He reaches for them. The words "ACHKDO MI MADITA VRATI! ACH MADITAKDE JSI KDAJS", or something to that effect, lie in between the images of the child and the woman. (Some of the letters are difficult to decipher.)
This plaque is based off of the second ballad in the collection of Karel Jaromír Erben. The collection is called Kytice, or Banquet, and the ballad is called Poklad, or Treasure.
It is Good Friday and a woman hurries her child to church. On the way, she discovers a rock that opens once a year and hides great wealth. The woman enters and sets her child on the ground so she can collect coins from the treasure. She goes home to unload and returns for more treasure. When she gets home the second time, the coins turn into stones and clay, making her suddenly remember that she left her child behind the rock with the treasure. She rushes back for her child only to find the rock has closed. She falls into despair with no way to reach her child. One year later, she returns to find the rock has opened and her child is safe inside. She is so overcome with joy, she does not even notice the treasure as she scoops up her child and carries him home.On View
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