The Mountain 1898

Karl Nordström made this oil painting titled "The Mountain," although undated, it reflects the sensibilities of its time. Nordström was Swedish, but he spent time in France, and he was interested in the symbolist movement. The picture seems to want to show the majesty and grandeur of nature, however, it's unclear if this landscape is an actual place or an idea. The lack of specificity opens up questions. What is the relationship between nature and culture in the modern world? The mountain and the sea are overwhelming, but the tiny ship that is barely visible seems frail in comparison. Is it an allegory for humanity's role in the grand scheme? To get to the bottom of that question, we might look at writings from the time, philosophy, and literature, to understand better what the image might have meant to its original audience. The meaning of art is contingent on the context.