Fir Trees 1849

Arnold Böcklin painted ‘Fir Trees’ in Switzerland near the end of the 19th century. The work captures an atmospheric landscape of silhouetted fir trees against a vivid, golden sky. Böcklin was a key figure in the Symbolist movement, which favored subjective expression and spiritual themes over the naturalistic depiction of the world. This landscape, with its emphasis on mood and feeling, reflects that interest. What could have influenced this style in Switzerland at this time? Well, the rise of nationalism, the growth of industry and cities, and the debates about science and religion could all be seen as ways of understanding this piece. He was also teaching at the art academy in Düsseldorf, an institution that was then at the centre of debates about the purpose and style of art in the new, industrial era. To truly appreciate Böcklin’s work, we might explore these social and institutional histories and consider the specific cultural context in which the artist lived and worked.