Montserrat 1928

Hermann Lismann’s ‘Montserrat’ captures a landscape dominated by towering rock formations, rendered in shades of grey. These geological pillars evoke a sense of primeval strength. Consider how the rock formations rise powerfully, almost aggressively, from the earth. These shapes are not unique to this place. We find echoes of this reaching towards the heavens in the ancient ziggurats of Mesopotamia. Similarly, observe how the craggy peaks resemble the hands of worshippers in medieval paintings, forever reaching for divine intervention. The peaks evoke a collective memory of striving, be it spiritual or earthly. These forms tap into our primal understanding of nature. Their rough texture and formidable presence may unconsciously trigger feelings of awe and perhaps even fear, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The geological forms thus become more than stone; they are vessels of a deeper human experience. Symbols, such as the mountainous form represented here, possess a non-linear progression, often resurfacing and evolving. This process leads to new interpretations across different historical contexts, allowing symbols to retain relevance, and ensuring their place in our cultural memory.