Kubasta, Vojtech
Kubasta – Pop-Up Diorama – Liberation of Prague
(Praha- Diorama ABC - Kveten 1945 - Boj a Vitezstvi)
Fine original 1975 uncut condition (Note we have a copy set up just to show how it looks set up in the first 3 photos. Your copy will be the original fine uncut one shown in image 4)
In 1975, renowned Czech artist and paper engineer Vojtěch Kubašta designed a diorama titled "Praha Diorama ABC - Květen 1945 - Boj a Vítězství" (Prague Diorama ABC - May 1945 - Battle and Victory). This piece was exclusively included in the Czech children's magazine ABC, making it a unique and rare collectible.
The diorama represents the liberation of Prague in 1945, Kubasta
designed it to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Prague.
As with the other Kubasta dioramas and stand-up nativities,
the child was to cut and glue the pieces together to form the pop-up diorama.
This one is uncut! The first image is included to show you how it looks once the child puts it together, all of these originally came uncut.
The diorama is interactive, allowing users to assemble it into a three-dimensional scene. It features a reversible middle section that can be flipped to display two different scenes: one showing intense street fighting on May 5, 1945, and the other depicting jubilant celebrations with Soviet soldiers on May 9, 1945.
This diorama, especially in its uncut condition, is a highly sought-after piece among collectors of Kubasta's works, as well as those interested in historical memorabilia related to World War II and Eastern European history.
Collector's Corner:
The scene is set close to the Old Town Hall poloznicene .
Between the background and the front frame is the middle part, which can be
turned to the other side to completely change the picture – turn to the side
dated 05/05/1945 to view fierce street fighting , or turn to the other side to
view a scene from 09/05/1945 depicting cheering crowds and Soviet soldiers on a
tank. . Note: It appears that the date
on the diorama ( 9/5/1945) was transposed as it should read 5/9/1945.*
The scene represents a pivotal moment in Czechoslovak history—the uprising of Czech citizens against Nazi forces and the subsequent entry of the Soviet Red Army on May 9, 1945, which marked the end of the German occupation.
*History of the Liberation: By 1945, Czechoslovakia had
endured seven years of Nazi rule. On May 5, 1945 Czech citizens rose up against
the Germans. 3 days of street fighting ensued. On May 8, The Nazis accepted the surrender of
the guerrillas as they had crushed the uprising. The next day - on May 9, 1945
- the Red Army entered Prague. The city was saved and Czechs were crying
happily and cheering on the streets. Many kissed the hands of Soviet soldiers.
The war was, now, finally over.
Further Reading:
For more information on Vojtěch Kubašta's works and his contributions to pop-up art, you might find the following resources helpful: