Self-Portrait

Peter Parler was an architect and sculptor of high standing. He could dare to emphasize his work and position in a way hitherto unique in portrait history. When he, as the imperial and episcopal cathedral architect, placed a life-sized bust of himself in St Vitus Cathedral around 1380, he was the first artist who, in addition to providing us with a signature, coat of arms and inscription, also gave us an image of his personal appearance. The gaunt man in his mid-forties with thin hair and a trimmed, lank beard, dressed in a simple cloak with the hood thrown back, has visibly made a “portrait” of his appearance.

Parler incorporated his self-portrait into the select company of other neighbouring busts in the triforium over the ambulatory. They include the members of the imperial family, archbishops of Prague, building directors and master builders.