Libra 1907

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis created 'Libra', a 36 x 31.2 cm artwork, employing a muted palette of blues, ochres, and purples. The composition is dominated by two simplified sailboats adrift on a turbulent sea, beneath a sky hinting at dusk or dawn. The painting’s structure is defined by contrasts: the static verticality of the masts against the dynamic, horizontal brushstrokes that animate the water. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, a sense of imbalance, reflected in the artwork’s title. The 'Libra' suggests scales, a symbol of equilibrium, yet the scene evokes instability. Ciurlionis often intertwined musical structures with visual art, seeking synesthetic experiences. Here, the rhythmic waves and the tonal gradations mimic musical phrasing. The subdued color scheme and rudimentary forms might challenge conventional aesthetics, yet this destabilization invites deeper contemplation on themes of balance, movement, and existential uncertainty.