Week 7 - Exploring the Sublime: Friedrich and Wagner
A journey through the sublime with Caspar David Friedrich's Wanderer above the Sea of Fog and Richard Wagner's Prelude to Tristan und Isolde, conducted by Otto Klemperer.
Good morning!
Welcome to the seventh issue of the Monday Morning Art Dispatch.
Today, we delve into the sublime with two profound masterpieces. First, we explore Caspar David Friedrich's iconic painting, “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog.” This emblematic work of Romanticism captures the sublime beauty and vastness of nature, inviting viewers to contemplate their place within its glory.
To complement Friedrich's visual meditation, we feature Richard Wagner's Prelude to Tristan und Isolde, performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the masterful direction of Otto Klemperer. Wagner's prelude, with its intense emotional depth and sweeping orchestration, mirrors the existential and transcendent themes found in Friedrich's painting.
Let us transport ourselves into the realm of introspection as we dig a little deeper into the artistry behind these beautiful creations.
The Painting
Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer)
Does this figure command the scene, or is he merely a fragment of its vastness?
Alone on a rocky outcrop, a figure peers intently through the fog enveloping the valley.Deep in contemplation, this person is the focal point of Caspar David Friedrich's masterpiece, “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog.” The painting invites us to ponder this profound question.
The scene is meticulously crafted, capturing a moment frozen in time. The wanderer, with his hair tousled by the mountain wind, strikes a noble pose. Dressed in a frock coat and holding a walking cane, he juxtaposes refined urbanity against the rugged wilderness. This contrast sparks the imagination—a city dweller willingly immersed in the raw beauty of nature. Friedrich's technique, the Rückenfigur (a figure seen from behind), positions us as silent companions to the wanderer. We share his view, standing a few steps behind, connected to the scene by the invisible thread of contemplation.
We can't help but wonder: What thoughts occupy his mind as he gazes into the distance? An optimistic view suggests triumph and exaltation—a conqueror savoring the glory of his ascent. Yet, the painting also hints at doubt, presenting a pessimistic perspective where the wanderer, isolated amidst misty peaks, confronts his uncertain existence. Friedrich's landscapes, grand and somber, transcend mere visual appeal. They act as stages for existential journeys, where the edge of a sea or valley symbolizes not only physical challenges but also the soul's contemplative journey.
Born in Greifswald in 1774, Friedrich's artistic journey mirrors his exploration of the wild Baltic coastlands. His early works, influenced by his Lutheran upbringing, soon expanded to include Gothic structures and religious motifs, imbuing landscapes with allegorical significance. The artist's canvases, often composites of sketches from various locations, transcend literal representation, becoming profound expressions of experience. “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” is a mosaic of Friedrich's journeys, each detail meticulously curated to create a scene of transcendent elegance.
The golden section, a principle of aesthetic harmony, guides the composition, dividing the landscape into balanced parts. The sloping ridges converging on the man's chest evoke a sense of exaltation—a deliberate arrangement that elicits paradoxical emotions of optimism and solitude. The painting, though not a literal view, reflects Friedrich's skill in blending reality with imagination. The rocky hilltop, traced to a drawing in Saxony, underscores the artist's meticulous attention to detail. Every element, from the swirling mist to the distant ridges, contributes to the painting's overarching mood—a question mark that simultaneously evokes optimism and loneliness.
In essence, “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” transcends its physical dimensions. It becomes a visual symphony where nature and humanity dance in intricate harmony. Friedrich's brush strokes, guided by a profound connection to his Protestant background, elevate the canvas beyond mere representation. As we stand with the wanderer on that misty crag, it feels as if the painting beckons us to introspection. It’s almost a challenge not to ponder our own place within its grandeur, where triumph and doubt coexist, and the beauty of nature unfolds as a contemplative journey of the soul.
The original painting by Caspar David Friedrich is located at the Hamburger Kunsthalle in Hamburg, Germany. This institution houses one of the most significant collections of Friedrich's work, reflecting his immense contribution to the Romantic movement.
I think there’s a reason why “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” continues to resonate culturally today, possibly a symbolism for the eternal human quest for meaning. It has become an iconic image, often referenced in discussions about Romanticism and existential philosophy, evoking a sense of wonder and reflection, and inviting us to explore our own inner landscapes as we gaze upon the misty expanse.
The Music
Wagner composed “Tristan und Isolde” between 1857 and 1859, inspired by the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer and his own tumultuous love life. The opera's prelude, with its unresolved harmonies and yearning motifs, revolutionized Western music and paved the way for modernism.
When pairing it with Friedrich's “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog”, I think it creates a perfect ambiance for the viewing. The prelude’s haunting, unresolved chords and the sense of longing they evoke mirror the vast, misty landscape that Friedrich’s wanderer contemplates. Both the music and the painting embody the Romantic fascination with the sublime, the infinite, and the existential questions of human existence.
Wagner's Prelude to “Tristan und Isolde” is known for its profound emotional impact and innovative use of harmony. The music begins with the famous "Tristan chord," a dissonant chord that resolves only at the end of the opera, symbolizing unfulfilled longing and desire. This innovative approach to harmony broke away from classical traditions and influenced generations of composers. Wagner's use of leitmotifs—recurring musical themes associated with characters or ideas—adds layers of meaning and emotional depth to the music.
The interpretation by the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Otto Klemperer, adds a layer of historical significance and emotional intensity to Wagner's composition. Klemperer, known for his deep understanding of Wagner's music, brings out the dramatic contrasts and intricate textures of the prelude. His interpretation captures the tension and release inherent in Wagner's score, echoing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow in Friedrich's painting. Klemperer's meticulous attention to phrasing and dynamics enhances the emotional journey, making the experience of listening to the prelude while viewing “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” profoundly immersive.
When I listened to Wagner's prelude while looking at Friedrich's painting and writing this issue, I was struck by the profound connection between the two. The music's unresolved harmonies and yearning motifs seem to me as if they’re echoing the wanderer's contemplation of the misty landscape, as if it’s an invitation to join in on the journey of introspection and awe.