The past 1907

"The Past" (1907) by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911) is a symbolic work of art that evokes the passage of time and the mysteries of the past. The painting depicts a large, looming rock formation, resembling a castle ruin, against a pale sky with a radiant sun rising on one side. The rock is partly hollow, revealing a glimpse of the sea below. The sun's rays, depicted as a golden burst, pierce through the rock, suggesting the light of knowledge illuminating hidden memories. Čiurlionis was a pioneer of Lithuanian Symbolism, employing evocative imagery to express philosophical and spiritual concepts. This painting is a testament to his unique ability to capture the intangible through abstract forms and vivid colors.