Bretschneiderovo ucho, Relief sculpture in Lipnice nad Sázavou, Czech Republic
Bretschneiderovo ucho is a rock relief carved into a cliff face near Lipnice nad Sázavou, Czech Republic, depicting a large human ear. It sits at the edge of a former quarry along the Sázava River, where the stone was once actively extracted.
The relief was unveiled on June 23, 2005, carved by artist Radomír Dvořák together with local stonemasons. It was conceived as a direct artistic response to the theme of surveillance in society.
The name references a secret police character from Jaroslav Hašek's novel The Good Soldier Švejk, reflecting themes of surveillance in Czech society. Visitors can observe this literary and historical connection while viewing the work.
The relief is reached on foot via marked trails, with parking available near Lipnice Castle. The path leading to the cliff can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
The ear is part of a trilogy of rock carvings that also includes the Mouth of Truth and the Golden Eyes, all cut into former quarry walls in the same area. Together, the three pieces form what is called the National Monument of Eavesdropping.
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