The March of the Goths 1881

Arnold Böcklin painted "The March of the Goths" with oil on canvas, depicting a romanticized vision of historical migration. Born in Switzerland, Böcklin spent much of his career in Italy. This piece reflects the 19th-century European fascination with historical and mythical subjects, yet it carries a more ominous tone. The painting evokes a sense of displacement and the turmoil of mass movement. We see armored figures on horseback overseeing a procession of people crossing a bridge. This scene captures the vulnerability of the displaced, highlighting how class and power dictate experiences of migration. The dark, stormy sky amplifies the emotional weight of the exodus, suggesting a future fraught with uncertainty. Are these figures heroes or invaders? Böcklin's work invites us to consider the complex intersections of identity, power, and history, and how these continue to shape our understanding of migration and belonging today.