Panel Five. When I first stood before the painting "Union of Slavic Dynasties" from Alphonse Mucha's monumental Slavic Epic, I felt that I was finally seeing something that resonated with me, perhaps because the title includes Přemysl Otakar II, about whom I already knew something. I stood there, facing once again the endless story of Slavic history, rendered in the familiar colors, light, and symbolism that only Alphonse Mucha could create.

I will never forget that first impression – it was as if the entire tableau of kings touched my future, even though the subject matter and the painting itself were rooted in the past. Before me unfolded a festive scene, where rulers, allies, relatives, and guests gathered. And in the midst of them stood the majestic Přemysl Otakar II, a king whose name carries a spark of power, courage, and vision. I saw him in a much more favorable light than in our historical literature.

I have always admired him, but here, in Mucha's rendition, he took on an almost otherworldly grandeur and beauty. His gesture of welcoming the newly arrived guests is remarkably friendly, yet it also carries the strength of a ruler who can unite entire nations.

I noticed the emblem of his personal chapel – an eagle with outstretched wings. I realized that I was standing before a work that is not only a depiction of a historical event, but a vision of unity. Přemysl invited the Slavic rulers from neighboring countries to the wedding of his niece Kunhuta of Brandenburg and the Hungarian prince Béla, with the bold idea of creating a great Slavic coalition. It was not just a diplomatic gesture – it was a desire for peace, for a shared future, for hope. And as I looked at the painting, I felt that Mucha had captured this desire with incredible depth.

Each figure in the painting has its own world, its own expression, its own story. It seemed as if the entire tableau was filled with the beating hearts of the present rulers. All in one place. The concentration of energy is immeasurable, so I stood quietly, looking and absorbing the atmosphere of trust, camaraderie, and festive harmony. It was as if time had stopped for a moment.

I found myself thinking: “This is how it should be. This is what the dream of unity and peace should look like.” And it was Mucha who not only knew this, but also masterfully brought it to life and instilled this idea deep within me.

The greatness of the work lies not only in its dimensions, but also in its ability to completely transform you – or me, or anyone else. I remember that when I left, I carried with me a sense of pride in our Slavic history, a feeling of belonging to my roots, and the joy of knowing that such art exists, capable of evoking such strong emotions. Yes, this is true art – from the mundane to the sublime, from the narrow to the broad. I still hold a tremendous admiration for Alphonse Mucha, who managed to connect history, the ideal of peace, and timeless beauty in a single painting.

This painting is not just a part of the Slavic Epic. It is an experience that one carries with them throughout life. And I am immensely grateful for it.

Also read: Slavic Epic by Alphonse Mucha – painting number four: Tsar Simeon of Bulgaria – Dawn of Slavic Literature

Jan Vojtěch, Editor-in-Chief of General News