Creation of the World XIII 1906

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis created "Creation of the World XIII" as part of a series which draws from synesthesia, a perceptual condition where the stimulation of one sense triggers experiences in another. Ciurlionis, a Lithuanian artist, composed music, wrote, and painted during a time of political upheaval, as Lithuania struggled for independence from the Russian Empire. His paintings evoke a sense of spiritual and cultural identity, deeply rooted in Lithuanian folklore and a personal, almost mystical connection to the cosmos. In this painting, there is a powerful, yet serene depiction of a nascent world. The muted palette and soft forms create an atmosphere of calm emergence. The reflection on the water reminds us of the constant, reciprocal relationship between what is above and what is below. Ciurlionis himself sought to create art that transcended the material world, reflecting a deeper, more spiritual reality. This resonates with the search for identity and meaning amidst cultural and political change. The piece is both a personal reflection and a cultural statement.