Prague metronome
The Prague Metronome is an artistic installation by Vratislav Karel Novák (1942–2014), which was erected on May 15, 1991 on the remaining base of the Stalin monument in Prague's Letná Park , which was destroyed in 1962 . The work of art, known colloquially as the “ metronome ”, is actually called “Time Machine” ( Stroj času ). The installation symbolizes the relentless passage of time and is a warning to remember the past. The “metronome” can be seen very well from the old town of Prague .
On the occasion of the Czech EU Council Presidency 2009 , the “metronome” was used to visualize the beginning of the Czech Council Presidency.
technology
The function of the oversized metronome cannot be compared with a metronome as a clock. The clearly visible weight in the lower area of the pointer is not used to set a clock frequency, but as a counterweight to the pointer itself. The counterweight is a metal body that runs in the opposite direction to the pointer.
The entire plant is powered by an electric motor. The motor and the moving parts (with the exception of the pointer and counterweight) are housed in the triangular base frame. Public access to this is not possible. The electrical supply line ( overhead line ) to the “metronome” is clearly visible; There are many pairs of tied shoes hanging on it almost all year round, even after being removed from the city.
The height of the metronome including the pointer is around 25 meters and the entire work weighs around 7 tons . The pointer itself describes an arc of around 60 °.
For static reasons, the metronome was set up by a helicopter.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Vicepremiér A.Vondra odstartuje o silvestrovské půlnoci české předsednictví . eu2009 (Czech).
- ↑ Metronome na Letné , online at: praga-magica.blog.cz / ...
literature
- Rudolf Cainer: Žulový Stalin. Osudy pomníku a jeho autora. ARSCI, Praha 2008, ISBN 978-80-86078-86-1 (Czech).
- Duncan JD Smith: Only in Prague: A Guide to Strange Places, Secret Spots, and Hidden Sights. 2nd Edition. Brandstätter, Vienna 2012, ISBN 978-3-85033-135-7 .
Web links
- Academy of Arts - a brief biography of V. Novak (Czech).
- Roudnice nad Labem Gallery, VK Novak (Czech).
- Fulbright Foundation on Death V. Novak (Czech).
- Metronome at Letna . (Czech).
- on the death of the sculptor Vratislav Karel Novak, Metronome on Letná . (Czech).
- The Czech presidency begins at midnight on New Year's Eve . eu2009 (Czech).
- Article showing former Stalin monument .
Coordinates: 50 ° 5 ′ 41 ″ N , 14 ° 24 ′ 57.6 ″ E