Statue of Pietà in Mirošov

The Pietà statue in Mirošov is a Baroque stone monument standing in the small town of Mirošov, in the Rokycany district of the Plzeň Region in the Czech Republic. It belongs to a wider group of historic stone sculptures scattered around Mirošov, locally referred to as the town's "stone procession" — a collection of 18th-century devotional works commissioned by townspeople and parishioners. The Pietà stands close to several other monuments from the same period, turning this part of town into a compact open-air gallery of Baroque religious art.

What does the Pietà statue in Mirošov depict?

The monument is built on two levels. The lower pedestal carries a figure of Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child, while the upper section holds the Pietà proper — the scene of the Virgin Mary supporting the body of Christ after it was taken down from the cross. Combining two separate biblical motifs in a single monument was a common practice for Baroque roadside and churchyard foundations in this part of Bohemia.

Who created it and when?

The year 1729 is carved into the corners of the stone inscription panel at the base of the monument, giving the sculpture a reliable, documented date of origin. Older heritage records name the maker as a craftsman recorded as "Ioann Adam Zenker," described as a burgher of the town. This points to a local stonemason rather than a court-employed artist, which fits the pattern of many Baroque votive sculptures raised by small-town communities rather than aristocratic patrons.

What is it made of and what does it look like?

The monument is carved from stone, with a stone base and a two-tiered pedestal beneath the figures. The figures show the characteristic Baroque S-curved posture (a form of contrapposto), long wavy hair, and carefully worked facial features with visible anatomical detail. This treatment of drapery and body sets the Mirošov Pietà apart from stiffer Gothic or Mannerist precursors and points to a mature sculptural workshop active in the first half of the 18th century.

Has the statue been restored?

Yes, twice, and both restorations are documented directly on the pedestal through carved dates. The first restoration took place on 20 August 1905, the second on 20 June 1934. Both interventions show that residents of Mirošov have long regarded the monument as a meaningful piece of local heritage and have maintained it across generations.

Why is it worth seeing?

The Pietà is listed in the Czech heritage catalogue as a legally protected monument. Together with the nearby Guardian Angel sculpture, it is considered one of the most valuable pieces of sculptural art in Mirošov. For a visitor exploring the Rokycany district, it offers a chance to see a modest but well-preserved example of Baroque religious sculpture without traveling to a major museum — right at a crossroads within the town itself.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Pietà statue in Mirošov stand? In the centre of Mirošov, in the Rokycany district of the Plzeň Region, close to several other historic stone sculptures in the town.

When was the statue made? The year 1729 is carved directly into the pedestal, making it a reliable reference point for dating the monument.

Who made the statue? Older heritage records attribute it to a local craftsman recorded as "Ioann Adam Zenker," described as a town burgher.

Is the monument legally protected? Yes, it is listed in the Czech heritage register ("Památkový katalog") as a protected cultural monument.

Is it worth combining with other sights in Mirošov? Yes — nearby stand several other Baroque stone figures that together form the town's so-called "stone procession."