The Moldau River (postcard)

"The Moldau River" (2011) is a colored pencil drawing by Marie Brožová, created live in public at her famous Magic Pencil Gallery in the heart of Prague as part of her long-term project The Defense of Colored Pencils. The original artwork is an impressive A0 format, measuring 118.9 × 84.1 cm (46.8 × 33.1 inches). This drawing is featured in the Souls of Czech Rivers series, inspired by the Vltava (Moldau) River.

The Story Behind the Art

The Vltava River rises in the mysterious forests of the Šumava Mountains like a barefoot fairy. She flows through a wilderness rich in archaeological sites and beautiful landmarks such as the Devil's Wall, the Lipno Dam, the castle ruins, and picturesque South Bohemian towns like Český Krumlov and České Budějovice (the symbolic cradle of the colored pencils used by the artist). On her journey, she grows stronger and grander, transforming from a fairy into a lady of high society. She wears a necklace of moldavites and river pearls, with the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle adorning her hat. Although she has been subdued by humans many times, she retains her strength and defiance, which she can unleash in the form of destructive floods. Along her entire course, one can feel her nobility and majesty.

Hidden Details to Discover

The horned mythological creature at the bottom of the drawing symbolizes the ancient Bohemian forest, Silva Gabreta – the Celtic name for the Šumava mountain range, meaning "the Ibex Mountains."

Available as: Fine Art Prints (A4–A0), Gallery-Quality Posters (A2–A0), Greeting Cards, Postcards, Souls of Czech Rivers Coloring Book.