Wanderer above the Sea of Fog – Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer

Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer, 1818) is one of Caspar David Friedrich’s most iconic and evocative works. The painting depicts a lone figure standing on a rocky precipice, gazing out over a vast, fog-covered landscape. The figure, dressed in a dark coat and holding a walking stick, appears small in comparison to the expansive and mysterious scenery before him, which is shrouded in mist.

The work reflects the Romantic era’s emphasis on the sublime, highlighting the emotional power of nature and the contemplation of the human experience in relation to the infinite. Friedrich’s masterful use of light, shadow, and the enveloping fog creates a sense of mystery and introspection, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of isolation, self-discovery, and the vastness of the natural world.