Illustration for Fairy Tales For Adults 

Artuš Scheiner’s illustration presents a tableau of melancholic beauty. Underneath a blossoming tree, symbols of purity and renewal, a seated couple is lost in thought. The man, with his head resting on his hand, embodies the classical figure of melancholy, a pose echoing depictions of Saturn or even Albrecht Dürer's "Melancholia I." This gesture, seen across centuries, captures a sense of introspection and world-weariness. Compare it to the pensive saints and philosophers in medieval art, or to the romantic heroes brooding over their fate. The symbolism is not static; it evolves, carrying the weight of cultural memory. The blossoming tree, often linked to fertility and new beginnings, is here juxtaposed with the somber mood. This contrast reflects our complex human experience, where joy and sorrow coexist. It suggests that even amidst life's bloom, a shadow of reflection, or perhaps disillusionment, always lingers. Scheiner taps into this universal subconscious, reminding us of the cyclical nature of emotions and the enduring power of symbols.