The sun 

Wilhelm Süs created this design for a stained-glass window called, The Sun. Süs lived during a time of great social and political upheaval, and like other artists of his generation, he engaged with Symbolism. The allegorical figures here reflect that influence. The figures arranged in a semicircle above a central sun could represent different stages of life. However, while using the artistic language of symbolism, he also appears to challenge traditional representations. The nude figures, the family fleeing a dark abyss, and the laborers all point to a deep concern with the human condition. The smiling sun, surrounded by frolicking cherubs, suggests that even in the face of hardship, life holds promise. While the figures recall classical art, their placement and interactions offer a more humanist vision. Süs explores themes of hope and renewal through the universal symbol of the sun. The artwork thus reflects both the anxieties and aspirations of a society undergoing profound change.