Ján Hollý (1785–1849) was a prominent Slovak Catholic priest, poet, translator, and national revivalist who in his work used Bernolák Slovak (the first codified form of the Slovak language, as established by Anton Bernolák in 1787).
The monument, by the sculptor Ervín Staník and docent architect Jozef Huntier, is a typical manifestation of "official art". It is located in a romantic corner of Rudnay Square east of the presbytery of St Martin's Cathedral, the former chapter and city parish church that also served as the coronation cathedral for Hungarian monarchs.
Atop a three-tiered cuboid pedestal of polished granite, the bronze sculpture depicts Jan Hollý seated, draped in a cassock, with his hands resting on his legs. The figure is cast larger-than-life and captures the famous personality in a realistic way.
The front faces of the granite pedestal bear a majuscule-minuscule inscription in cast bronze characters:
NATIONAL REVIVALIST
Ján Hollý
1785-1849.
The statue is situated off the main pedestrian route near the legendary house of the Čársky family. Overhanging weeping willows complete the pleasant atmosphere of the quiet green corner.
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Research status as of 02. 05. 2023.
