Morning, from the series The Times of the Day 1807

Philipp Otto Runge created this print, Morning, as part of the series The Times of the Day. It is an etching made in Germany in the early 1800s. This was a time of great social upheaval and political change. Runge uses visual codes to convey his idea of Morning. Note the cherubic figures and classical symmetry. These recall the art of antiquity and the Renaissance. German artists looked to the past, hoping to create a new, distinctly German art. This print embodies a longing for spiritual renewal. It offers an idealized vision of harmony and order amid social change. It also suggests connections between art and religion, and it elevates art to a spiritual calling. To understand Runge better, we can look at the writings of his contemporaries. Philosophers and poets can help us to understand the meaning of art. By analyzing the social context, we can understand the artist's intent and the cultural values that shaped his vision.