Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk jako vizuální symbol první republiky

Abstract

The first Czechoslovak president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, is inseparable from the values of the First Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1938). The three initials of his name, ‘TGM’, represented democracy and Czech statehood. His extraordinary personality inspired respect and Czechoslovak citizens were proud of their president, a man on horseback who was upstanding, vigorous and youthful. Masaryk was a charismatic man who took pride in his appearance. His white military-style riding outfit, seen in period films, photographs and portraits, has become symbolic. At a time when most men dressed in dark clothes, the president built his image and popularity with the help of this iconic clothing that became part of his identity and ingrained in the collective consciousness. He wore this typical outfit to ride through Prague on horseback during military parades, host important foreign guests in Topoľčianky, a summer residence of Czechoslovak presidents in Slovakia. He would play with his grandchildren in his white suit and was even buried in it.