Ferdinand Pravoslav Náprstek

Unfortunately, the last book by the renowned author brings the story of an important personality of Prague's cultural life in the 19th century. Ferdinand František Fingerhut was the son of Anna Fingerhut, a well-known businesswoman and patron, and the older brother of Vojta Náprstek, who became famous as the founder of the Czech Industrial Museum. For several years he gained practical experience abroad, and in 1848 he joined the student revolutionary movement. After the defeat of the Revolution and the emigration of his younger brother Vojta to North America, he helped his mother with the management of the business, and from 1860 he was the owner of the Černý pivovar (Black Brewery) on Charles Square. After an unsuccessful marriage, he sold the brewery and remained faithful to Czech theatre, quality music, good food and patriotic society until his last days. He supported many painters, musicians and actors. In 1882 he began to organize the Home Music and Declamatory Entertainments, which were attended not only by leading personalities of Czech culture and politics, but also by famous composers, musicians, singers and actresses. Among the frequent guests were e.g. Antonín Dvořák or Karel Bendl, who began to come to Ferdinand's house for regular lunches.