Wanderer Above the Sea of Mist

Wanderer Above the Sea of Mist
Music Phrases Through the Ages
Lauren Thaete

The Romantic time period was a time of emotional reflection and genius art. Only a few people could become a great artist or inspirational composer during this era. One particular artist that captured the emotional and individual ascetics of the Romantic times was Casper David Friedrich. His art not only spoke volumes about the 19th century, but also reflected the social ideals and creative process that began to challenge the logic and reasoning of the Enlightenment.

When looking at one Friedrich’s most iconic works, Wanderer above the Sea of Mist, it is clear that Friedrich was creating art for emotional fulfillment. The dramatic contrast between the dark foreground and illuminated background emphasis the curiosity in spiritual and emotional learning throughout the Romantic time period. In fact, one of the the most Romantic features about this work is the skewed proportion of the sky to the ground. Unlike most Enlightenment pictures that feature the main object or human in view, Friedrich’s Romantic work brings light and excitement to the sky and nature since the Romantic Era had a strong connection to nature. While the Enlightenment included the naming and sorting of species, the Romanic Era included the indigence and uncontrollable power of nature. The combination of the ambiguous mountain scape and swelling waves reflects the overwhelming qualities and power that the Romantic Era granted to nature. In addition, Friedrich makes a distinct point to emphasize the waves in the picture instead of the man to show that nature has a greater role in perception of life than does the single human being. 

While the Romantic Era stemmed from the Classical Era, clear differences between the two still exist as seen in Casper David Friedrich’s own art work. The subjects of the pieces have not changed, however the emphasis, color scheme, and use of light in the Romantic time period all are used to add drama and recreate an emotional mood. Wanderer Above the Sea of Mist reflects all of these aspects in the Romantic Era to create both a timeless and powerful piece of art.