Artist Inspiration: The Danube River

The Danube River 

The Danube River is a magnificent river connecting the Balkan region to the rest of Europe. It rises in the Black Forest mountains of western Germany and flows for some 1,770 miles (2,850 km) to its mouth on the Black Sea. Along its course it passes through 10 countries and historically formed the boundary between great empires. Its waters served as a vital commercial highway between nations.

Cultural Importance

The river’s majesty has long been celebrated in music. The famous waltz “An der schönen, blauen Donau (1867; The Blue Danube)”, by Johann Strauss the Younger, became the symbol of imperial Vienna. In the 21st century the river has continued its role as an important trade artery.

Budapest

Walking along the Danube River offers one magnificent views of the Grand Parliament, the Fisherman's Bastion and the Matthias Church on the hills, the Chain Bridge, and the Liberty Statue on top of Gellert Hill.

If you are looking for breathtaking, magical views, making you feel like the main character of a romance movie, a boat trip in Budapest on the Danube River will is the most perfect place.

My Story : Inspiration

As a teenager, I lived in Hungary for a year. Coming from a small town, it made a huge impression on me in those days. Budapest and its river continue to be a big inspiration for my life and art. Symbolically, the river connects past and present and the flowing water represent our ever-changing political and social environment. 

What I find fascinating, is that water always flows around obstacles and won’t be stopped by them. I’m trying to adopt that attitude in my personal life by being flexible and adapting to change instead of resisting it.

My Painting “Margit Sziget / Margaret Island”

I chose a round canvas, because it symbolizes the eternal and the interconnectedness of our world and our experiences in it. 

I did not use a picture but I worked from memory and from the emotions they trigger. The dark sides represent the heaviness, seriousness and stability of Budapest City and the lighter colors in the middle represents the change the river can bring. The red lines are like a vein of blood, a life line, symbolizing the human essence of our experience.

If you are looking for Budapest-themed museum-quality modern art prints that will liven up your home, browse our limited edition giclée print collection. Find a piece that speaks to you.

This original painting is for sale. Please check out Artfinder

In my shop, you can find the fine art print  of this artwork in various sizes.

Written by: Korinna Janssen - Artist