Statue of Guardian angel in Mirošov

Statue of the Guardian Angel is a Baroque stone sculpture standing in Mirošov, a small town in the Rokycany District, in the Plzeň Region of western Czechia. It belongs to the same group of historic statues as the town's well-known figures of St. Ludmila, St. Wenceslas, and the Pietà — a collection locally known as the "Mirošovský kamenný zástup." Together with the Pietà, it is regarded as one of the most valuable sculptural works in Mirošov.

Where exactly does the statue stand?

The sculpture stands directly opposite the main gate of the former chateau in Mirošov, at the intersection of Dobřívská, Čtrnáctka, and Prokopova streets. This location differs from that of the nearby Pietà or the saints' figures placed right by the church — the Guardian Angel effectively watches over the entrance to the former manor courtyard, echoing its original protective role toward the residence.

Where did the statue come from, and where did it originally stand?

The figure originally stood in the courtyard of the Mirošov chateau before being moved to its current spot by the gate. Like most sculptures in the Mirošov ensemble, it was created during the era when the town and surrounding estate were governed by the Mitrovic family, who financed the artistic embellishment of the town. The work is attributed to a workshop connected to Jakub Auguston the Younger of Plzeň, the architect also responsible for the local chateau, though the name of the individual sculptor has not survived.

What does the sculpture depict?

The composition shows a winged angel figure looking straight ahead, holding a small child figure at its feet with one hand. This pairing — a protective, adult angel and a small, trusting child figure beside it — reflects the traditional Baroque depiction of the Guardian Angel as a heavenly guide and protector, a popular motif of folk piety in 17th- and 18th-century Bohemia.

What material is the statue made of?

Like most of the sculptures in the Mirošov ensemble, the Guardian Angel figure was carved from gray arkose sandstone, quarried locally at the "Nad planinou" quarries located between Hrádek and Mirošov. The same material was used for most of the other statues from this period, giving the whole group a consistent, unified character.

What condition is it in today?

The sculpture is considerably weathered — decades of exposure to the elements have left clear marks on the gentle facial features of both the angel and the child it holds. The statue would benefit from thorough conservation, similar to the restoration carried out on the nearby Pietà. Despite this, it remains a legible and valuable part of Mirošov's Baroque heritage.

Why is it worth seeing?

The Statue of the Guardian Angel, together with the Pietà, is considered the most valuable sculptural work in all of Mirošov. For a visitor exploring the Rokycany District, it offers a chance to see a distinctive example of Baroque sacred sculpture set in a symbolic spot — right by the gate of the former residence it was once meant to guard.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly does the Statue of the Guardian Angel stand in Mirošov? Opposite the main gate of the former chateau, at the intersection of Dobřívská, Čtrnáctka, and Prokopova streets.

Who created the statue? The sculptor's name is unknown — the work is attributed to a workshop connected to the architect Jakub Auguston the Younger of Plzeň.

What material was the statue carved from? Gray arkose sandstone, quarried locally between Hrádek and Mirošov.

Where did the statue originally stand? In the courtyard of the former Mirošov chateau, before it was moved to its current location by the gate.

Is this the only Baroque statue in Mirošov? No — the Guardian Angel is part of a larger group known as the Mirošovský kamenný zástup, which also includes the Pietà, St. Ludmila, St. Wenceslas, St. Florian, and St. John of Nepomuk.