Relic cross of Charles IV.

The aim of this bachelor thesis is to present a historical, art-historical, and technological review of the most precious piece of the St. Vitus cathedral treasure - the great Provincial Cross, also known as the Karlstein Cross, or simply the Relic Cross. This prominent creation of High Gothic goldsmithing is linked with the Emperor and King Charles IV (1316-1378) and the year 1357, when the construction of Karlstein castle was finished. This monographic thesis deals solely with the Cross and strives to summarize all existing historical knowledge, while processing literature and sources in the usual heuristic manner. Above all, the thesis includes a thorough description of this craftsmanship artifact, followed by an art-historical interpretation. It aims to differ from other theses in its passion regarding the goldsmithing techniques and its effort to comprehend the medieval means of processing precious metals and gems. The author has chosen this subject in order to familiarize himself with common technological terminology and to use it properly. Therefore, the thesis becomes a theoretical preparation for the author's self-dependent work as a curator in the National Technical Museum in Prague