Symbolism and naturalism..... in the realms of painting these two movements would appear to be poles apart so I was intrigued to see what I was going to find in this room. The majority of the artists in this section underwent a naturalist phase in their early careers whereas today they generally find themselves grouped with symbolism.
Calm before the Storm Hans Thoma 1906
Oil on cardboard 86 x 70 cm
This painting almost shouted at me. I was drawn to the bright yellow foreground which was even more dazzling set against the dark green of the trees and the grey turbulent sky. The simple composition was in contrast to the fine detail of the blades of corn and the foliage of the trees. I could almost sense that oppressiveness in the atmosphere just before an impending storm. This was one of my favourite paintings full of atmosphere and anticipation.
I thought I would squeeze in one more painting from this room just to show a different approach
Melting Snow Elgersburg Edvard Munch 1906
Oil on Canvas 71 x 91cm
Here Munch uses colours we would not normally associate with a winters scene. The cold white snow melts and fades away to reveal the beautiful soft muted colours of the landscape like a patchwork quilt. Soft warm and cosy ready to snuggle up in........another mood change.
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