Illustration for Vyšehrad 

Artuš Scheiner created this illustration for Vyšehrad in the late 19th or early 20th century, a period of cultural revival and national identity-building in Bohemia. Scheiner was deeply influenced by Czech folklore, mythology, and the broader artistic trends of the Art Nouveau movement. In this scene, we encounter the complicated dynamics of gender and power. A young woman stands behind an older woman who is leaning into a fireplace; the first one appears to be helping her with the robes. The depiction offers a view into the stories and struggles of women within Czech history and mythology, questioning traditional representations. How are we to think about the complex power dynamics between women of different ages? Scheiner's illustration invites us to reflect on the roles of women in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Bohemia. It encourages viewers to engage with the emotional and personal dimensions of these mythic narratives.