Evening by the River
- Original dimensions
- 25.5 x 19 cm
- Museum
- Wallraf-Richartz Museum
- Year
- 1820
Scene depicted
This painting evokes an atmosphere of tranquility, where the waning light of day dances on the calm waters of a river. A couple stands in the background, sharing a suspended moment between water and sky, inviting the viewer to feel the softness of the evening.
Historical context
Artwork: Evening by the River |BRK| Artist: Caspar David Friedrich |BRK| Year: 1820 |BRK| Museum: Wallraf-Richartz Museum |BRK| Dimensions: 25.5 x 19 cm |BRK|
Place in the artist's career
Evening by the River represents a turning point in Friedrich's career, illustrating a maturity in his compositions. This canvas follows masterpieces like " The Monk by the Sea " and precedes " The Wanderer above the Sea of Fog ", marking a fascinating poetic and technical evolution.
Anecdote
Friedrich often stated: "I paint landscapes to move the soul." It was in a chaotic sunset that the artist found inspiration for this pictorial work , the scent of fresh grass mingling with the evening mist infusing each brushstroke with feeling. The evocative power of Evening by the River finds its roots in this quest for authenticity.