The Column of Hope

The Column of Hope is a relatively new monument to both celebrate the victory and the establishment of the Republic and to commemorate all of the victims that has fought for their nation and perished. It is located in the inner city of Taun before the New City Hall. Its construction was used as a way to provide job opportunities for artists who were not really needed in the immediate aftermath of the war during rebuilding of the country. It also served as a moral boost to celebrate the nationality of previously usurped nation who emerged independent after seemingly unending bloodshed.
It is a collaboration project done by many sculptors and artisans together under the leadership of the then minister of culture, Stepan Rudnicky, based on the concept art of the recently deceased Marianna Levicka. The construction took five years and it was inaugurated in 1907 during the 5 year anniversary celebration for the Republic.
The iconograph itself is very intricate and complex with many little statues interwoven together. The basic message is that no matter the suffering, by standing together and lifting each other up, the nation can get through anything and live to see the sun rise again tomorrow. It is essentially a monument to collaboration, friendship and the society as a whole.
There are three basic part to the monument: the pedestal featuring the coat of arms of all the various kingdoms and empires who ruled over this area or tried to conquer it, then the column itself covered in little people sculptures and angels and similar beings holding hands and trying to get to the top of the column, which is a golden sculpture of a very intricate sun surrounded by a wreath of leaves and blooming flowers.

Type

Memorial / War Memorial