Vertigo 1908

"Vertigo" (1908) by Léon Spilliaert (1881-1946) is an evocative depiction of a solitary figure perched precariously on a series of curved, black and white steps. The composition, dominated by stark contrasts and a sense of isolation, evokes feelings of unease and the psychological disorientation suggested by the title. The figure's small scale against the vast, empty landscape further emphasizes a sense of vulnerability and the instability of the precarious position. This artwork is a prime example of Spilliaert's exploration of themes of loneliness, anxiety, and the human condition.