Prague Niege d’Art poster – Charles Bridge Praha travel poster – Edmond Maurus c1935
This stunning Prague Niege d’Art poster showcases the captivating vista of not only one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic landmarks but also one of Europe’s most historically significant and renowned bridges. It is the Karlův Most or Charles Bridge located in the beautiful Czech capital city of Prague.
Some time around 1935, the renowned French painter and poster artist, Edmond Maurus, crafted this vintage Prague travel poster. His charming artwork perfectly captures the picturesque Czech city during the winter season in the 1930s… and to Prague’s credit, the impressive and timeless scene hasn’t changed much since. Maurus depicts Praha covered by a blanket of snow over its iconic landmarks, including the entrance to the Lesser Town from the Charles Bridge. The view presents a captivating atmosphere, portrayed in a muted winter color palette. The wonderful image transports viewers to Prague, allowing them to savor the sight of the snow-clad bridge stretching towards the ancient gates of Malostranské mostecké věže, also known as Lesser Town Bridge Towers. The city’s skyline looms mysteriously in the background, creating an alluring and ghostly silhouette.
The Charles Bridge in Prague
Whilst Prague’s history can be dated back to the 6th century, the region became an important city during the 9th century and records show that a wooden bridge stood not far from the site of the current Charles Bridge since the 10th century. However, the wooden bridge proved vulnerable to floods, and its fate was sealed during the devastating flood of 1157 when it was completely destroyed.
A replacement, famously known as the Judith Bridge was constructed during the reign of King Vladislav II. Despite its more rugged and sturdy stone construction, the structure only endured for two centuries before facing its own demise as a disastrous flood laid waste to the Judith Bridge.
A new bridge became an essential necessity for Prague, and in 1357, the visionary new king, Charles IV, resolved to build a worthy successor to the fallen Judith Bridge. The bridge was known as Stone Bridge (or Prague Bridge) until 1870, when it was renamed Charles Bridge, in honour of one of the greatest rulers of the Bohemian Kingdom.
The medieval stone arch bridge spans the Vltava River and connects the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) to the Old Town (Staré Město) of Prague. It is one of the most famous and visited attractions in the city, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and the numerous statues that line the sides of the bridge.
On the Lesser Town side of the Charles Bridge, there are two main bridge towers: the Lesser Town Bridge Tower (Malostranská mostecká věž) and the Old Town Bridge Tower (Staroměstská mostecká věž). These towers served as entrance gates to the city and are beautifully adorned with intricate details and sculptures.
There are thirty statues on the Charles Bridge in Prague that represent various saints and religious figures, and each statue has its own unique significance. During the 17th and 18th centuries, a series of Baroque-style statues were added to the bridge, replacing earlier Gothic sculptures. Some of the most notable statues include St. John of Nepomuk, St. Luthgard, St. Francis Xavier, St. Vitus: St. Vitus, St. Adalbert, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Cajetan and St. Joseph with the Infant Jesus
The Lesser Town Bridge Tower is a Gothic-style tower with a Baroque superstructure, located at the Lesser Town end of the Charles Bridge. It was built in the 15th century and underwent renovations in the 17th century, which resulted in the addition of Baroque elements. The tower is adorned with statues and has a gallery offering panoramic views of Prague and the Charles Bridge.
Visitors to Prague often cross the Charles Bridge, passing through the Lesser Town Bridge Tower, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this historic site. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to take in the breathtaking views of the Vltava River and the surrounding cityscape.
How much is an original Edmond Maurus Prague Niege d’Art poster worth?
The Prague NIege d’Art poster created by the artist Edmond Maurus in approximately 1935 is a stunning and captivating piece of art that celebrates the beauty and historical significance of the city of Prague, also known as Praha. This vintage poster has become a sought-after collector’s item, appreciated not only for its artistic merit but also for its representation of a notable landmark in the city’s history.
The focal point of the poster is the Lesser Town Bridge Tower, a prominent structure that stands as an ancient gateway to the Lesser Town of Prague. This tower is situated at the western end of the Charles Bridge, one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, known for its striking Gothic architecture and statues of saints adorning its sides.
Edmond Maurus’s artistic skill and attention to detail are evident in the poster’s composition. The Lesser Town Bridge Tower is meticulously rendered, capturing its architectural grandeur and historical significance. The tower’s intricate Gothic elements, including pointed arches, ornamental carvings, and towering spires, are depicted with precision, evoking a sense of awe and admiration for the city’s rich history.
The poster’s overall design likely showcases the tower in a context that emphasizes its relationship to the Charles Bridge and the city’s breathtaking skyline. The poster may employ a vivid and vibrant color palette that highlights the beauty of Prague, with rich blues and warm hues creating a sense of enchantment and nostalgia.
The allure of this Prague poster is further enhanced by its rarity and historical value. An original copy of the poster fetched an impressive £2000 in 2014, underscoring its desirability among art collectors and enthusiasts of vintage memorabilia. Its scarcity and the passage of time have only added to its allure, making it a treasured piece of art that encapsulates the spirit of Prague’s historical charm.
No doubt about it, owning an original vintage poster is a dream come true, and if you happen to come across one and have the cash to spare, it’s a fantastic find. They can be unique and valuable items that can also make a great investment. But let’s face it, not all of us have the means to afford one. That’s where we come in with our stunning reproductions! Our high-quality reproductions are an excellent alternative to an original. They look amazing when framed and hung up in your living room, and they’re much more affordable. So you can still have that vintage poster look without blowing your budget.
