I’ll be sharing works from the Romanticism era for the next month or so. This is one of the most popular works from that time. Here is the wikipedia description:
It has been considered one of the masterpieces of the Romanticism movement and one of its most representative works. The painting has been widely interpreted as an emblem of self-reflection or contemplation of life’s path, and the landscape is widely considered to evoke the sublime. Friedrich was a common user of Rückenfigur (German: Rear-facing figure) in his paintings; Wanderer above the Sea of Fog is perhaps the most famous Rückenfigur in art due to the subject’s prominence. The painting also expresses Friedrich’s German liberal and nationalist feeling by depicting the figure wearing an Altdeutsche (“Old German”) outfit, which was associated with the nationalist movement and banned by the states of the German Confederation in 1819.
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this is one of my favorite paintings. You must be fond of it too or wouldn’t have chosen it for this week’s image. The artist was interesting and painted some other evocative works but none quite like this one. As with all art I think most people will interpret an image through their own filters unless they have been given clear information of the artist’s intentions. I’ve seen different things in it over the years. A lot of times it has scared me. I have height phobia. Still it is magnificent. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, Rose.
This is one of my favorites too! It’s regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Romantic era. I looked it up the other day when Sheila asked about it and was surprised the artist didn’t give more definitive insight into it. For as evocative as the work is, to just leave it at self-reflection and slight nationalism falls flat. I think the title gives some clues too, though. Life can often be no safer than a trek upon jagged rocks near the sea. Do we know our destination? Do we know how to get there? Can we be safe when the waves surge and the wind blows? Will we recover when our foot slips? I have a deep faith, so I can answer yes to all those things. I doubt that’s what the artist was going for as one of his major themes is loneliness. However, this wanderer doesn’t necessary seem as lonely as he is solitary. I think he most definitely has something on his mind and is considering his existence in the vast sea of life.
Extremely well said, Rose. And faith does overcome such fears as I alluded to. The nationalism threw me though. I looked him up too, and will have to go down a rabbit hole I was unwilling to do at the time, to further understand his work. This is something I like to do anyway so it isn’t onerous, just don’t have the time right now. I’m not very disciplined when I follow most rabbit holes, I’m afraid. I lose track of time too easily. Thank you for your response. Art has always been a big deal to me. I have to settle for visiting museums when we can because I’m no artist. I have other areas to release my creative needs. And Rose, I’m so glad yours is to write. We’re very blessed that you do. God Bless, always.
Rose Fairbanks 
Very evocative! Thanks for sharing these images.
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Wow, makes me wonder why this artist painted this? Is there a story behind it? Thanks for sharing.
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I’ll be sharing works from the Romanticism era for the next month or so. This is one of the most popular works from that time. Here is the wikipedia description:
It has been considered one of the masterpieces of the Romanticism movement and one of its most representative works. The painting has been widely interpreted as an emblem of self-reflection or contemplation of life’s path, and the landscape is widely considered to evoke the sublime. Friedrich was a common user of Rückenfigur (German: Rear-facing figure) in his paintings; Wanderer above the Sea of Fog is perhaps the most famous Rückenfigur in art due to the subject’s prominence. The painting also expresses Friedrich’s German liberal and nationalist feeling by depicting the figure wearing an Altdeutsche (“Old German”) outfit, which was associated with the nationalist movement and banned by the states of the German Confederation in 1819.
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I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this is one of my favorite paintings. You must be fond of it too or wouldn’t have chosen it for this week’s image. The artist was interesting and painted some other evocative works but none quite like this one. As with all art I think most people will interpret an image through their own filters unless they have been given clear information of the artist’s intentions. I’ve seen different things in it over the years. A lot of times it has scared me. I have height phobia. Still it is magnificent. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, Rose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is one of my favorites too! It’s regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Romantic era. I looked it up the other day when Sheila asked about it and was surprised the artist didn’t give more definitive insight into it. For as evocative as the work is, to just leave it at self-reflection and slight nationalism falls flat. I think the title gives some clues too, though. Life can often be no safer than a trek upon jagged rocks near the sea. Do we know our destination? Do we know how to get there? Can we be safe when the waves surge and the wind blows? Will we recover when our foot slips? I have a deep faith, so I can answer yes to all those things. I doubt that’s what the artist was going for as one of his major themes is loneliness. However, this wanderer doesn’t necessary seem as lonely as he is solitary. I think he most definitely has something on his mind and is considering his existence in the vast sea of life.
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Extremely well said, Rose. And faith does overcome such fears as I alluded to. The nationalism threw me though. I looked him up too, and will have to go down a rabbit hole I was unwilling to do at the time, to further understand his work. This is something I like to do anyway so it isn’t onerous, just don’t have the time right now. I’m not very disciplined when I follow most rabbit holes, I’m afraid. I lose track of time too easily. Thank you for your response. Art has always been a big deal to me. I have to settle for visiting museums when we can because I’m no artist. I have other areas to release my creative needs. And Rose, I’m so glad yours is to write. We’re very blessed that you do. God Bless, always.
LikeLiked by 1 person