Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog

In Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, Caspar David Friedrich invites the audience into his world. It appears mysterious, but there is something of wonder and intrigue to it. The man in the painting is staring into the fog, in both contemplation and curiosity. The sea of fog allows the man to reflect on his life, but is also representative of a hazy, unpredictable future. This painting contains light colors of the mist, making it appear more friendly and welcoming. This painting is wondrous because if it weren’t for two green hills in the background, the land and the sky would be indistinguishable. There is subtle shading difference between the sky and the land; in texture. There are small trees in the distance showing that there is something to look for behind the fog, and although the rocks look treacherous, the land in the distance appears inviting.