The Stallion Ardo

A separate chapter in the genesis of Myslbek's equestrian monument o St Wenceslas is the gradual development and finalization of the horse. During the first stage, Myslbek worked surrounded by photographs and reproductions of famous equestrian statues by old Italian masters. We know, however, from his diaries and notes that this did not satisfy him. His ingrained realism called for a real, live horse. He visited the stables of Alexander Brandeis at Suchdol and the stud-farm Na Panenské, where at last he found "his" model - the seven-year-old stallion Ardo, an Oldenburg breed. Myslbek did the first drawings, studies and sketches at the stud-farm - later, he had Ardo brought to his studio. Myslbek modelled many drafts, before reaching the definitive version.