Creation of the World XII 1906

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, a Lithuanian artist, created 'Creation of the World XII,' using tempera on cardboard in the early 20th century. Ciurlionis lived in a time of cultural revival in Lithuania, which was then under Tsarist Russian rule. He sought to express the spiritual essence of his nation through art and music. The painting blends the terrestrial with the cosmic, where stars float above a landscape marked by stylized trees and a winding river. This intertwining of nature and spirituality reflects Ciurlionis' theosophical beliefs, a philosophy that seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe and humanity's place within it. There is a deeply personal and emotional aspect of this series, one that connects to universal themes of creation and existence. Ciurlionis once wrote, "I will create such paintings, looking at which all people will feel good." 'Creation of the World XII' offers an alternative narrative, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the mystical potential of art to evoke spiritual experiences.