Illustration for Vyšehrad 

Curator: This is an illustration by Artuš Scheiner entitled "Illustration for Vyšehrad." It presents a really fascinating and perhaps slightly unnerving scene. Editor: It does strike me as unsettling, yes. The palette is muted, cold almost, which contributes to this feeling. There’s a certain rawness that seems steeped in ancient, almost primordial, symbolism. The man, his gear, the dragon head, it all feels very deliberately constructed. Curator: Right. It’s hard to ignore how this illustration builds on tropes we see in the broader sweep of Romanticism and fantasy art. There's a strong sense of narrative at play here – of mythology being visualised, but I wonder what commentary Scheiner may be advancing given it’s for Vyšehrad – which is such a symbolic place in Czech history and nationhood. Editor: That's the central question, isn't it? Considering the context, it’s interesting to think about the symbolism inherent to nationhood. This illustration evokes themes of power, and possibly sacrifice, when viewed through that political lens. This character holding what appears to be the severed head of a dragon makes one wonder, what cost does heroism carry? And who bears it? Curator: It is intriguing to consider the figure’s positioning – he’s high on the snowy hillside and his direct stare projects this undeniable sense of authority – especially in relation to what seems like this sort of grotesque totem he’s carrying. I find myself reflecting on how these visuals and power are linked. Editor: And that cup held forth – is that meant to be received? Does the figure need to share this burden or offering in order to assert control or power over a specific territory? He might also be drinking. Either way, a lot about nationhood resides here – the intersection of ritual, violence and display, framed in the colours of folk Romanticism, and some difficult power dynamics we must acknowledge in order to move forward. Curator: It's certainly given me a lot to think about regarding how national identity is constructed through art and narrative. Editor: Me too, I will take with me the image of a story and a character so open to contemporary social interrogation.