Day, from the series The Times of the Day 1807

"Day," part of "The Times of the Day" series, was created by Philipp Otto Runge, a German Romantic painter and printmaker. Runge lived during a period of significant social and political change. His work is deeply rooted in the cultural and philosophical movements of his time, particularly Romanticism. "Day" is an etching that explores themes of nature, family, and spiritual awakening. It's an allegorical scene, presenting a mother and children bathed in light, surrounded by symbolic imagery of the natural world. Runge sought to express profound emotional and spiritual experiences through his art, and this piece reflects his desire to capture the sublime beauty of everyday life. The artist departs from traditional religious iconography, instead presenting a more pantheistic view of the divine, one interwoven with the natural world and domestic life. Runge’s work embodies a yearning for spiritual and emotional fulfillment, reflecting the broader Romantic quest for meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.