Stefan Lazarević (1374 – 19 July 1427) was ruler of the Serbian Despotate between 1389 and 1427. He was the son and heir to Prince Lazar, who died at the Battle of Kosovo against the Turks in 1389. Despot Stefan was a poet and a moderniser and his reign and personal literary works are sometimes associated with early signs of the Renaissance in Serbian lands, and he is credited with having introduced knightly tournaments, modern battle tactics, and firearms to Serbia. The title 'despot' has the meaning of 'Byzantine prince and ruler,' and does not carry the negative connotation it has in English.
This statue to him stands in Kalemegdan Park.
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20 comments:
I like the abstraction of the figure in this statue.
"meaning of 'Byzantine prince and ruler,' and does not carry the negative connotation it has in English" - ah, thanks for the explanation!
As I read "despot" it was puzzling, but you have cleared that up. How totally opposite are the meanings!
Very interesting sculpture and I love the oh-so-blue skies framed in green trees and with little fluffs of clouds.
Genie
actually despot was the second figure in the byzantine empire, often referred to as "vice-emperror" or "vice-cesar" as they considered themself as the only roman empire.
after the fall of constantinople byzantine was also called second roman empire, as christian russia turned to the third roman empire and the grand-duke of moscow to "cesar" or "tsar".
Thanks for this interesting article.
Despot Stefan Lazarevic was really very interesting and somewhat controversial historical figure. Unfortunately, people in the west are not especially interested in Serbian and Balkans medieval history. In a variety of information about the life of Despot Stefan, maybe it should be mentioned one particularly interesting. Despot Stefan was a member of the lesser-known secret fraternal order of knights, Order of the Dragon (lat. Societas Draconistrarum). The founder of the Order was famous Sigismund of the Luxembourg, King of Hungary, Germany and Bohemia and Holly Roman Emperor. The members of the Order were prominent rulers, lords and generals of his time including: Filippo Buondelmonti degli Scolari, Vladislas II of Hungary, King Alfonso of Aragon and Naples, Vlad II (received the surname Dracul in 1431, after being inducted into the Order of the Dragon) and others.
That bit of salmon-to-orange wall is what makes the picture pop. Wish I could see this in person to observe the details.
Powerful looking sculpture.
What coll and unusual looking statue. The angle that you took the photo from just adds to the interest.
Very impressive photo, and nice to hear a different interpretation of the title 'despot'.
That is a very interesting statue. Yet I can't decide if it's broken, or .....
Any idea when the statue was sculpted?
I really like this statue.
You made a nice portrait of Mr.Lazarevic.
Interesting history too.
Interesting looking statue! enjoyed reading the history and the meaning of despot... !
SkyWatch
Hi, Gaelyn! No, the statue isn't broken. I think those are just 'folds' on his cape and outerwear. Not sure when the statue was made, but it is fairly contemporary.
I love the statue - it truly makes this shot!
Magnificent sculpture, its style is like an iron poem and the background light is the perfect frame!
I'm glad you cleared up that despot thing.
One more thing I surely would never have known if I hadn't met you!
He looks like a stiff.... sorry couldnt help myself
surprenante cette sculpture, j'aime ce cote moderne.
I love this statue! It is absolutely stunning. I love the abstract style. More fascinating history - yay!
Never liked that statue, but article is good, if you search for more details about him, you can find it how interesting he was. He was ruler with improved title from Prince to Despot after surviving battle against Mongols (only his part of army survive and keep with fight)in Battle of Angora, He was Grand Master Order of the Dragon(Societas draconistrarum, he was made it first regular staying army in Europe :)
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