Stanislav Libenský
Czech, 1921 - 2002Jaroslava Brychtová
Czech, 1924 - 20203 V Column, 1989-2000
Not on view
Cast glass
Dimensions110 × 24 × 8 in., 800 lb. (279.4 × 61 × 20.3 cm, 362.9 kg)
Courtesy of the Isabel Foundation, L2017.144
As you look at this large column do you notice the V shapes formed by the reflections in the glass? They symbolize victory. Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová created 3V Column to commemorate the Velvet Revolution, which ended forty-one years of oppressive Communist Party rule in Czechoslovakia—now the Czech Republic. November 21, 1989, marked the first day of mass demonstrations in Wenceslas Square. Being one of the main city squares in Prague, many gathered to have their voices heard. Libenský and Brychtová watched from their studio balcony as demonstrators marched through the city, forming the letter V with their fingers to symbolize victory. This nine-foot-tall cast glass sculpture incorporates the victory gesture, celebrating the triumphant moment and the extraordinary possibilities that faced the newly democratic country.
