Royal Apple
The Apple wrought of fine gold (18 carat), weighs 780 grams and measures 22 cm
in height. It consists of two flattened hemispheres linked by a decorative circular band and crowned
with a fairly large cross. The circle under the cross bears the inscription DOMINE IN VIRTUTE TUA
LETABITUR REX ET SUPER SALUTARE TUAM EXULTABIT (O Lord, in Thy strength the king will be glad and
in Thy salvation how greatly he will rejoice). The richly ornamented decorations feature predominantly
precious stones and pearls, while the slight little figures of six sphinxes on the base
of the cross form a charming detail. The gold, of the red spinels, and the blue sapphires,
in places emphasized by colourful enamel are striking in their harmony. The surface of both
hemispheres is covered with an extremely precisely wrought relief of figures, thematically
connected with the coronation. On the upper hemisphere there are scenes illustrating the story
of David - his anointment the king and the fight between David and Goliath; on the lower hemisphere
there is a depiction from Genesis of Adam kneeling before the Creator, of Adam being led into
the Garden of Eden and the Creator warning Adam and Eve of the tree of knowledge. The use of these
areas for figural decoration is unique and indicates the significance attributed to this insignia
by the person who commissioned it.
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The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Prague Castle’s Second Courtyard houses an extraordinary display of masterpieces amassed from the 11th century for the St. Vitus Church and Cathedral treasury.
