Ervin Count Nostitz-Rieneck

Ervin count Nostitz-Rieneck (1806-1872) was the fourth president of the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts in 1839-1864. He was a generous patron and a great collector of works of art and of books. He substantially enriched the collection of the National Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. The bust was commissioned by Ervin count Nostitz Jn. - it was twice carved in marble by Raffaello Cellai in Florence. The socle is decorated with a laurel branch and the Nostitz coat of arms.