V horách 1935

Josef Capek's painting, V horách, presents us with a landscape dominated by the symbol of the path, under the all-seeing eye of the sun. Here, the road is not merely a route, but a visual metaphor of life's journey. Since antiquity, the path has signified spiritual quest and transformation. Consider the labyrinth of Crete, or the pilgrimage routes of medieval Europe, each symbolizing a journey of self-discovery. In Capek's vision, this path is winding and uncertain, perhaps reflecting the tumultuous era in which it was created, when expressionism grappled with the anxieties of modernity. The sun—a potent symbol across cultures, from the Egyptian Ra to Apollo in Greek mythology—traditionally represents enlightenment and vitality. Yet, in Capek's rendition, it casts a muted, diffused light, creating an atmosphere that evokes a sense of melancholy. This evokes a feeling of yearning, a longing for clarity or direction. Capek harnesses this primal symbolism to engage our subconscious, reminding us of the eternal human search for meaning amid uncertainty. As this artwork reveals, even the most enduring symbols are destined for continuous reinterpretation.