Warrior Žižka's Oak (print)

"Warrior Žižka's Oak" (2005) is a colored pencil drawing by Prague artist Marie Brožová, created live in public in Tábor (Czech Republic) 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

The legendary Hussite commander Jan Žižka of Trocnov rests beneath a massive oak tree, whose ancient canopy magically shelters an entire army hidden within the acorns. The scene is brimming with captivating details: improvised weapons forged from farm tools, the famous wagon fortresses, and the everyday life of these medieval rebels, who wash their laundry right alongside banners emblazoned with the holy chalice. Fierce, braid-wearing female warriors also ready themselves for battle. Peeking from behind the trunk is King Sigismund, the rival known as "The Red Fox," while a renegade wanderer roams aimlessly through the grass. Amidst this rich tapestry, the great warlord himself rests peacefully. Instead of his feared mace, he holds a simple chestnut and is about to snack on an apple. This apple serves as a playful nod to the imperial orb—a symbol of dominion over the world, fitting for a commander who never lost a single battle, and of whom it was whispered that even the devil himself was afraid.

Hidden Details to Discover

Marie Brožová grew up in the Žižkov district of Prague, where the colossal equestrian statue of Jan Žižka was one of her very first drawing subjects. As a child, she preferred playing "Hussites" instead of traditional doll games, building miniature wagon fortresses out of doll strollers. Instead of fairy tales, her favorite bedtime stories were the epic accounts of Žižka’s historical battles.

Available as: Fine Art Prints (A4–A0), Gallery-Quality Posters (A2–A0), Postcards, Magnetic Bookmarks.