
The picture captivates the viewer with the immensity of the sea distance. The whole composition consists of multicolored horizontal bands: almost white coastal sand with a solitary figure of a monk, a black sea, a leaden-gray sky brightening in the sky. The main motif of the picture is the horizon line: clouds obscure it, however, the proximity of heavy waves and the mobile sky shows this line, and it takes the viewer’s eyes to the depths.
The juxtaposition of a small human figure and the lack of orientation of the panorama of the sea and sky creates an image of an infinite space. This picture was a success, it was acquired by the Prussian King Frederick William III, and the painter himself was elected an honorary member of the Berlin Academy.
Cretaceous rocks on the island of Rügen by Kaspar-David Friedrich
Abbey in the oak forest by Kaspar David Friedrich
The woman at the window by Kaspar-David Friedrich
On the sailboat by Kaspar David Friedrich
Owl on the grave by Kaspar David Friedrich
Landscape with a withered tree by Kaspar David Friedrich
Arable land near Dresden by Kaspar David Friedrich
Two contemplating the moon by Caspar David Friedrich