Journey of the Prince (II) 1907

Editor: Here we have Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis's 1907 tempera painting, *Journey of the Prince (II)*. It gives me a very dreamlike, almost mythical feeling. What symbols jump out at you when you look at this piece? Curator: The overriding symbol for me is the Pegasus-like form dominating the sky. Winged creatures frequently embody spiritual aspiration and transcendence. The Prince's journey isn't literal; it’s psychological. It also links back to ancient mythologies; its cultural memory extends far beyond the early 20th century, doesn’t it? Editor: Definitely. It feels like a fusion of different mythic traditions. I noticed the boat at the bottom – what does that suggest to you? Curator: Boats, canoes, and rafts can all symbolize a voyage into the unknown, a crossing from one state of being to another. Notice how small it is compared to the looming figure above. Ciurlionis sets up an incredible tension between aspiration and earthly existence. Editor: That makes so much sense! And the landscape feels so ambiguous, almost otherworldly. Curator: It reinforces that this journey isn’t about physical space. The journey through the inner world, or even into death. Landscapes hold collective hopes and fears, so it suggests something elemental is happening. What will the Prince find? That’s what haunts me. Editor: I love how the symbols create a story, yet it remains open to interpretation. Curator: Absolutely, the image is a visual poem that unlocks emotions tied to longing, wonder, and a thirst for something more. I hadn’t realized that fully until we talked! Editor: Me neither, thanks for sharing your expertise!