Caspar David Friedrich

Date of Birth: September 5, 1774

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: May 7, 1840

Biography

Caspar David Friedrich was a German Romantic landscape painter, born on September 5, 1774, in Greifswald, then part of Swedish Pomerania. He became one of the most important figures of the Romantic movement in the early 19th century, known for his allegorical landscapes that often featured contemplative figures against dramatic natural backdrops. His work encapsulated themes of nature, spirituality, and the sublime, with many of his paintings reflecting a deep sense of melancholy and introspection. Friedrich studied at the Copenhagen Academy from 1794 to 1798, where he absorbed influences from German and Scandinavian art. He settled in Dresden in 1798 and became part of the city’s artistic and intellectual circles. His landscapes often depicted ruins, foggy seascapes, and solitary figures, emphasizing the smallness of humanity in the face of nature’s grandeur. Despite his profound influence on German art, Friedrich’s work was not widely appreciated during his lifetime. He struggled financially and faced bouts of depression. His fame grew posthumously, and he is now regarded as a pivotal figure in the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism in European art.

5 Interesting Facts about Caspar David Friedrich

1. Friedrich is best known for his painting “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” (1818), which has become an icon of Romantic art.

2. He was heavily influenced by the philosophy of German Idealism, particularly the writings of Immanuel Kant and Johann Gottlieb Fichte.

3. Friedrich often incorporated Christian symbolism into his landscapes, using nature to convey spiritual and existential themes.

4. He suffered a stroke in 1835, which left him partially paralyzed and limited his ability to paint in his later years.

5. His art was largely forgotten after his death but saw a significant revival in the 20th century, influencing modernist and contemporary artists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Caspar David Friedrich

1. “The artist should not only paint what he sees before him, but also what he sees within him.”

2. “Close your bodily eye so that you may see your picture first with the spiritual eye.”

3. “A painting which does not take its inspiration from the heart is nothing more than futile juggling.”

4. “The painter should paint not only what he has in front of him, but also what he sees inside himself.”

5. “In the contemplation of nature we are able to see the reflection of the infinite, the sublime.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Caspar David Friedrich did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime, and his highest estimated net worth was modest. Today, his works are considered priceless cultural treasures.