Western Art Movements I Art Movements    

Lesson 22: Romanticism - Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog (1817)

by Caspar David Friedrich

Directions

Study the artwork for one week.

Over the week:

• Examine the artwork.
• Read the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Recite the artist and artwork names.
• Read about the artwork's movement.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Discuss the review questions.

Synopsis

Caspar David Friedrich's 1817 work, 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog,' provides a second example of Romanticism. A well-dressed and wind-blown man holding a walking stick looks out over a foggy, craggy landscape. Trees sprout here and there from the other rocky peaks. The man has already conquered one mountain peak and perhaps longs to venture further into the unknown landscape of life.

Vocabulary

Craggy: Characterized by rugged, sharp, or coarse features.
Venture: To undertake a risky or daring journey.

Concepts

Featured Movement:

1. Name - Romanticism
2. Timeline - late 1700s-early 1900s

Romanticism Characteristics and Subjects:

1. Passionate Emotions ('The Kiss' by Francesco Hayez in 1859)

2. Nature ('Chalk Cliffs at Ruegen' by Caspar David Friedrich circa 1818-1819)

3. Mysticism ('The Abbey in the Oakwood' by Caspar David Friedrich between 1809-1810)

4. Nationalism ('The Charging Chasseur' by Théodore Géricault circa 1812)

5. Medieval Times ('The Lady of Shalott' by John William Waterhouse in 1888 refers back to medieval Arthurian legend)

Enrichment

Activity 1: Can You Find It?

Find the following in the artwork:

• The Venturer
• Mountain Tops
• Fog
• The Unknown
• Walking Stick
• Something Conquered
• Something to be Conquered

Activity 2: Narrate the Artwork

• After studying the artwork, narrate the scene shown aloud using your own words.

Activity 3: Classify the Artwork

• This artwork belongs to the Romantic art movement.
• Find Romanticism on the timeline.
• During which (estimated) years did Romanticism flourish?
• Which art movement preceded Romanticism?
• Which art movement followed Romanticism?

Activity 4: Recreate the Artwork   

• Click the crayon above and complete page 25 of 'Fourth Grade Art History Coloring Book.'

Review

Question 1

Who are the characters in the artwork?

1 / 6

Answer 1

The lone character is an unknown man.

1 / 6

Question 2

What is the setting of the artwork?

2 / 6

Answer 2

The setting is at the top of a mountain.

2 / 6

Question 3

What is the significance of the fog?

3 / 6

Answer 3

Answers vary, but might include a discussion of the pull or curiosity of the unknown.

3 / 6

Question 4

To which western art movement does this painting belong?

4 / 6

Answer 4

This painting belongs to the Romantic art movement.

4 / 6

Question 5

How is this painting reflective of Romanticism?

5 / 6

Answer 5

The Romantic art movement often portrayed nature as well as emotions such as wanderlust.

5 / 6

Question 6

During which century was this artwork created?

6 / 6

Answer 6

Friedrich painted this artwork in the 19th century.

6 / 6

❮ ❯

1. Who are the characters in the artwork? The lone character is an unknown man.
2. What is the setting of the artwork? The setting is at the top of a mountain.
3. What is the significance of the fog? Answers vary, but might include a discussion of the pull or curiosity of the unknown.
4. To which western art movement does this painting belong? This painting belongs to the Romantic art movement.
5. How is this painting reflective of Romanticism? The Romantic art movement often portrayed nature as well as emotions such as wanderlust.
6. During which century was this artwork created? Friedrich painted this artwork in the 19th century.

References

'Romanticism.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.