Formal Analysis Activity: "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich
Objective: To analyze the formal elements and composition of a famous landscape painting.
Instructions: Carefully observe Caspar David Friedrich's "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" and answer
the following questions:
1. Line:
oDescribe the types of lines present in the painting. (e.g., horizontal, vertical, diagonal,
curved)
oHow do these lines contribute to the overall mood or atmosphere?
oAnswer:
The painting features a strong diagonal line created by the horizon, which
dramatically divides the sky and the sea of clouds. There are also vertical lines
formed by the lone figure and the distant trees, adding a sense of stability
amidst the vastness.
These lines create a dynamic tension, emphasizing the vastness of the landscape
and the figure's isolation. The diagonal line suggests a sense of movement and
perhaps even a journey.
2. Shape and Form:
oIdentify the dominant shapes and forms in the painting. (e.g., geometric, organic,
abstract)
oHow do these shapes and forms interact with each other?
oAnswer:
The painting is dominated by organic shapes, such as the rolling clouds, the
irregular coastline, and the rounded forms of the trees. The figure himself is a
simple, almost geometric shape.
The contrast between the organic forms of the landscape and the more rigid
form of the figure highlights his isolation and emphasizes the overwhelming
scale of nature.
3. Color:
oDescribe the color palette used in the painting. (e.g., warm, cool, muted, vibrant)
oHow does the color contribute to the overall mood and meaning of the work?
oAnswer:
The color palette is predominantly cool, with shades of gray, white, and blue
dominating. There are touches of warm brown in the figure's coat and the
distant trees, which provide a stark contrast.
