Unicorn of the Spring Thaw (print)

"Unicorn of the Spring Thaw" (2013) is a colored pencil drawing by Marie Brožová, created live in public in 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).

The Story Behind the Art

A majestic dapple-grey unicorn of the spring thaw, beautifully adorned with soft catkins, strikes the last stubborn remnants of ice with its hoof, while melting the frosty crown of the Queen of Winter with a horn of pure Sunlight. Though pristine snow still lingers in the shadows, the very first snowdrops are already bravely emerging in sunny spots as the ground begins to breathe. Look closely, and you can catch a fleeting glimpse of Mother Earth's awakening face hidden within the first fresh tuft of grass just to the left of the snowdrops—as well as in many other secret places. While the gentle spring wind spins whimsical windmills in the sky, the winter Moon finally settles down to sleep in cozy bedding patterned with the starry night.

Hidden Details to Discover

Look toward the gateway to the deep—notice the serene face on the robe of the wise wizard guarding the entrance to the underworld, where he tenderly cares for tree roots and hidden water springs. Even the ancient, uprooted tree behind him possesses its own living human hands.

Available as: Fine Art Prints (A4–A0), Gallery-Quality Posters (A2–A0), Greeting Cards.