Great Art Explained: The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich

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The age of Enlightenment was a European intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, and it focused mainly on the power of human intelligence to explain the natural world.
Romanticism emerged as a response to the cold science of the Enlightenment, with Romantics maintaining that art emerges from divine inspiration, and the artist’s role is as the mediator between the creative and the divine.
The romantic age was characterised by a sense of drama and by the sublime spirit, a philosophical tradition, where a power or a force, an event or even beauty is so overwhelming, so awe inspiring and infinite, that it is beyond our comprehension. Nature, wild and uncontrolled became a major subject and the focus shifted to reconnecting with emotion and spirituality.
The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich is a perfect embodiment of these ideas.
I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular, Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Alyssa Phillips, AMSN, Anja Zeutschel, Bria Nicole Art, David Asabreu, Christa Sawyer, Eric Mann, Erique K, Francis Song, Griffin Evans, Hugo Moita, Jemma Theivendran, John Baer, Jon Hanzen, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Kibibi Shaw, Louise Tait, Monte St Johns, New Curiosity, Paul Ark, Paul Waterman, Sager Saxena, Sean Welgemoed, Stefan Paisson, Stephen Beresford, Tanya Moore, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, tyler Wittreich, and Will Dew's-Power.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at [e-mail]
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdomo (Gracias)
CREDITS
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Sound Mix by Robert Lewis (Thank you!)
VIDEOS
Aerial mountain footage by Maarten Schot - • Exploring Pyrenees, Sp...
Hermannsdenkmal Detmold - • Hermannsdenkmal Detmold
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
BOOKS
Caspar David Friedrich by Johannes Grave
Friedrich by Norbert Wolf
Caspar David Friedrich and the Subject of Landscape by Joseph Leo Koerner
Caspar David Friedrich: The Spirit of German Romanticism in Art by Clifford West
MUSIC
Tristan und Isolde by Richard Wagner, 1859
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short) - it really helps promote this channel - and here is my new series - Great Books Explained - www.youtube.com/@greatbooksexplained371 - thanks for your amazing support, James!

[@millerhighlife6722]

Liked

[@JJONNYREPP]

Great Art Explained: The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich 2240pm 5.1.24 the image they enjoy to use for any cover of a Nietzsche tome...

[@juniorjames7076]

@@JJONNYREPP Well this was the cover to my High School's edition to Mary R. Shelly's Frankenstein. And I've always been baffled as to WHY this was the cover. Man on the precipice of greatness? Man against Nature? Now, I see it as the editors wishing to have an image of a man, unable to continue his "journey/life's work/exploration" because the magnificent enormity of nature itself is his Dead End. "You can go no further, Sir. This is God's territory. You can stay and look for awhile, but you'll need to turn back!"

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@juniorjames7076 Great Art Explained: The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich 0732am 6.1.24 probably ecce homo or something... maybe Nietzsche was way ahead with the double entendre as he seemed to enjoy German phrases doubling up as an English pun... gay science. says it all, really. so my sister suggested... laughing.... actually, asking her if she'd read the book one would be hard pressed to garner a response as to what it was about.... the book being about. what it was concerned with etc etc.... hmmmmmmm.... i dont think much about imagery other than the immediacy of the image. does it actually do anything for me. i said it many times, i am superficial. if you met the painter as he painted it or after his having just painted it, you would think it a far greater image than what it is now. this image could say to you he (the man with his back to you) has a great deal of information to impart - on a philosophical level - and is waiting his turn to enjoy his coming down (amongst the audience). as to whether or not there is an audience for him, that's another matter entirely. maybe he will have to invent one. or collate a vast gathering, a literal captive audience. stood there, he has the scope for such chicanery... as Zarathustra once stated or reiterated on numerous occasions. i don't think it a dead-end. though dead-ends are good for a man. as long as he doesn't dally................ for certain folk, at least. that image doesnt say: a waste of time or the cessation of anything in particular. the enforced northern pessimism as imparted by the arch spoiler, that damn farmer (martin luther), might have something to do with your purview. again, all very high falutin'. a nice chocolate box imager for all that. "in burial, the main point is the digging...." - ernst junger. in short, nature as done all the donkey work for him.

[@jefryarce]

Ooooo​@@JJONNYREPPno ooo😊😅y si si es que que se le ha 😊y si se 4:07 4:12

[@davidchalmers2504]

I’m not an art studies guy, but your stuff is exquisitely done. These videos can stand with the art they explain!

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s so kind - thanks 🙏

[@PhysioAl1]

Yup!

[@Johnstone565]

Yes sir

[@numbersix8919]

You have put it well.

[@galaxiandancer]

I a an art studies guy and I fully agree. The passion and erudition are palpable

[@tjpld]

I wish a typical museum audio guide would explain every painting as good as this.

[@OsloTime]

It would be such a richer experience to listen to something as informative and interesting as this channel when wandering a museum, I'd be there every weekend! I can't imagine how much having a 10-20 min video like this, for each painting/art piece, would improve people's knowledge of art and I believe SO many more people would go into 'Art History' type careers.

[@MartijnPennings]

@@OsloTime I have often thought of this while visiting museums. I do like the extra information from audio guides in museums, but nowadays I think it should be included in the admission price or it should just be an app, not some little walkman-type thing you have to pay extra for.

[@sorenmn6799]

When I was in Vienna and London, I did use Great Art Explained’s videos while looking at paintings he had featured. It was really as if you have a tour guide with you :)

[@MariaVosa]

11:13 - the selection of movie posters are really a powerful reminder how the great painters keep influencing popular culture in our day. I never thought of the inspiration for that composition before, despite being very aware of Friedrich's renowned art work! It's telling the movies in question are about a world (past or future) ravaged by war/disaster, considering the inspiration for Friedrich himself. Mind blown. This is why I absolutely love your channel ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@kenster8270]

So true! It is such an iconic and recognizable image that it has made its way into our collective Western consciousness to the point that it is being referenced (whether subtly or overtly) in pop culture and memes alike. Comparable to, say, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" or "American Gothic".

[@sn2546]

James, the idea of the movie posters might be inspired by this painting really amazed me. I may have seen these posters but I would never think of the influence this painting may have on them. Placing not just one but four posters, does convince me. I'm amazed on your knowledge of the art as well as your knowledge on movies!!! 😊😊😊 You are the master!

[@CrusaReds333]

"Loneliness and Empowerment at the same time" is exactly how I would describe this painting, which has resonated with me ever since I saw it for the first time. Love the video; as always, great stuff James!

[@graciemaurine]

“It was his fate, his peculiarity, whether he wished it or not, to come out thus on a spit of land which the sea is slowly eating away, and there to stand, like a desolate seabird, alone.” Virginia Woolf

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great quote!

[@marcvolpe8252]

GRACE THE PAINTING IS BEAUTIFUL BUT I WANT TO TELL YOU YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL ADORABLE SEDUCTIVE RAVISHING SEXY CAPTIVATING AND PASSIONATE YOUR BEAUTY IS PHENOMENAL IF MICHELANGELO WERE ALIVE TODAY YOU WOULD BE HIS MUSE LET ME FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU MARCVOLPE ❤

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Perfect quote for this masterpiece! ❤

[@roberteckhardt7527]

I studied Friedrich extensively, I would recommend anyone really trying to approach his art to undertake a trip through these landscapes, visit the museums in Greifswald, Berlin (Alte National Galerie) Hamburg (Kunsthalle) and Dresden (Albertinum) and enjoy contemporary romantic literature (Novalis) and poetry (Eichendorf) while you're at it.

[@nwm-bj1hn]

If this channel was around when I was in school I would have appreciated Art History so much more, thank you. 🙏🇦🇺

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@JesusAnyNameWillDo]

I think James is the art teacher we all wish we had in school!

[@carlmc21224]

Amen

[@pcr3896]

Recently went to the exhibition in Hamburg, celebrating his 250 birthday. Seeing this painting as well as his other well known work in person is such a great experience. Love CDF since we analyzed his paintings in the German classes back in school when we were dealing with romanticism.

[@Skarrrg]

Thank you, deeply. Each of your videos show such love and depth for the pieces you cover. Your channel is a beautiful museum.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you very much!

[@rxw5520]

The walking stick definitely helps give the feeling that this is in fact a journey. To me the landscape represents the paths before you, mysterious and unknown but full of possibilities. And you stand there contemplating which way to go. This is your one and only life. That’s why this painting resonates with me and so many others. It’s a sense of endless possibility. I never considered it being loneliness because I think he’d be better off sitting or standing with feet together for that. His posture doesn’t give me any feeling of stillness. He doesn’t look stopped, he just looks like he’s maybe pausing, as many of us have on hikes when we reach an overlook. Maybe some people see it that way, but that doesn’t make sense to me.

[@Alexis_-_]

"A mystic with a brush"-perfect. As you said, his paintings have a powerful sense of space. I love the lack of boundaries. "A curious combination of loneliness and empowerment at the same time." "A tiny interloper in an infinite world." I especially appreciate his paintings after living in Colorado and feeling the sense of the divine you get out in the mountains. I've seen that whole rainbow many times-he really captures the way the light looks under the rainbow.

[@caffeine3341]

I have an exam on the 17th and Caspar David is a big part of it (especially that he is one of my favourites) so this is just what I needed. Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Good luck 🤞

[@tdesanchez]

Good luck with your exam.

[@vtomyuk]

My favorite painting. Difficult to explain what I see in it, but it really resonates in me.

[@ShuklaAayushi]

I am always floored by how organic your explanation sounds to me as a novice. Very well articulated 🙌

[@HRM.H]

Videos like yourse used to be documentaries on TV. Thanks for the quality content!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@zeniatokova1020]

I find it hard to believe I was able to watch THIS for free. Thank you so much for all your work and for making it available to all of us. Every video, every little lecture you post here is a masterpiece of its own, thank you!

[@blurrylights6344]

I felt that feeling when I visited Niagara Falls, the waterfall itself, not just the city. The enormous size, the almost incomprehensible volume of water rushing over the cliff is awesome and awful, somewhat frightening (it is quite dangerous) for a moment or so until my mind settled down to appreciate how long water had been going on its way (1000's of years) and will continue just that way for thousands more. And, perhaps in a strange way, I found that quite comforting, even knowing none of us that are here now will be here to see it that far in the future. I rather liked its indifference to me. Feeling one's insignificance can occasionally be comforting. So, I do see myself in that painting and have been blessed to feel that feeling. Thank you for another fine video. You are completely made for this .

[@songformoses]

I always look forward to your videos! Excited to see a new video on such a ubiquitous painting!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@MichaelSavidgeStoryteller]

I love that you show the invisible lines and shapes that go into the composition of the masterpiece; for someone like myself who is trying to understand how art is made, it is beyond helpful. Symbolic landscape paintings that can communicate one's "inner eye" sound fascinating, something I had never considered before. I cannot thank you enough for opening my eyes (both outer and inner) to the various artists and art movements that have come before; your videos are a wellspring of inspiration to me!

[@dc_rocker]

Younger viewers might recognize this painting as one of the few selected to be adapted for use in Minecraft. It's beloved by the game's developers. When I play the game, this is one of my favorite paintings to put in my house!

[@meenakshi6344]

Oh wow, I didn't know that. Thanks

[@9021ghetto]

I love that!

[@berolinastrassmann]

So timely! 2024 is celebrated in 🇩🇪 as CDF's 250 Jubilee year, with cities like Greifswald, Dresden and Berlin dedicating exhibitions to him. Congratulations, James! Your scripts are such a jewel. I often watch your videos twice, as I like to reflect on your words. CDF's works include oaks, as a metaphor for his nationalist feelings. Oaks are identified as the representation of German virtues such as strength. At 12:50 you can see this as an example. Some of his works are over 2m wide (Monk by the sea at 6:01) which conveys the intention of making humans feel small. Thanks, James, this was another gem! I am off to watch it again 😂

[@ll5974]

Oh wow - i deeply relate to the lone figure in contemplation on the precipice of overwhelming natural beauty. It is one of my most favorite places to be. And Friedrich captures my heart because of this. I knew nothing about him before this video. I have fallen in love. Bravo on a splendid, moving potrayal. Thank you.

[@matthewbbenton]

The great conductor Carlos Kleiber once told the Chicago Symphony that a certain passage should “sound” like this painting. The principal horn player (somewhat annoyed by the vague request) raised his hand and asked, “Maestro, do you mean louder?”

[@GreatArtExplained]

Love this

[@jeff__w]

It’s obvious that Kleiber meant _softer._

[@drewpowellflute]

One of my all-time favorites! Thank you for doing this one!

[@GreatArtExplained]

My pleasure!

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

It is very good but abbey in the oaks is my favourite.

[@haidaralhaibi4416]

What should one say, this channel is a shelter from the stupidity of the contents around me full of Tiktokers, low quality content ,fame obsession and silliness. Thank you for sharing knowledge in an incredible journey beyond Tim and space. Keep making great videos❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the view

[@QualeQualeson]

I recognized the wanderer, but not the name of the artist. I really liked some of his paintings, and I feel that watching landscapes and life in them are among a very few things in life that never gets old. It does require you to lift your gaze though, and not everyone are able to do that. Many people are trapped in an agenda driven paint by numbers that never becomes an image. One day they keel over and realize they never arrived.

[@lilybleue8888]

Another brave artist who floated through his life, not just observing but looking into it with his inner eyes, facing it all alone but with God. With your videos, I feel like I can really understand their art and who they were at least just a little bit each time. I almost feel camaraderie with them! Thank you so much.

[@AS-yh6xu]

Thank you for discovering this artist for/to me!! Absolutely amazing. Spiritual experience.

[@galaxiandancer]

This painting is one of my all time favorites.I have thought about it many times while I'm travelling. There's something great about feeling happy and scared at the thought of feeling small and insignificant, and the fact that he could translate that into an image is just pure freaking genius. Amazing work professor.

[@Cam_urai]

Massive fan of the channel! Amazing how Freidrich’s landscapes create so many contradictions. The notion of a natural world that is both alive and infinite should logically create a sense of comfort by its constant presence - but he instead creates a sense of inescapable loneliness and desolation. Beautiful, terrifying, and incomprehensible.

[@VodeniMedved]

Thank you for including „Furor Teutonicus“ of Paja Jovanović in this video. As a viewer from Belgrade who are very proud of this Serbian painter, I salute you! I love Caspar David Friedrich, but seeing this painting, even for a few moments, was a pleasant surprise.

[@moeafram2520]

Lately, I have been contemplating how small and almost insignificant we are in comparison to the strength and power of the world around us. At any moment we could be easily overcome by wind, water or earth. It is a wonderfully humbling feeling that this particular painting embodies perfectly.

[@mothernaturesapothecary]

These videos are absolutely brilliantly put together. I am no art student or critic but I am completely invested in watching every episode. The quality of this channel’s work is outstanding.❤

[@koreystephens]

Instant like, James. So grateful for work like yours.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I appreciate that!

[@geenstagni1060]

Hell yeah it's here !! It's my vote way back from a poll long ago ! Been in love with this piece ever since seeing it as the background of a classical music playlist, so happy to have you now tell me about it James :)

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@everythingmatters6308]

It's also on the back cover of a Joe Walsh album.

[@BillySummers13]

Thank you for this amazing analysis. As a German going to school in Hamburg and having to analyse this piece in on of my art exam I envy your eloquence while bring amused by your german pronunciation. Thank you for your work!❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Danke 🙏

[@BillySummers13]

@@GreatArtExplained liebe ❤️

[@JulioVid93]

Glad to see one of my favorite paintings explained in such rich and integral manner, interpreting it in the context of Friedrich himself, under the lens of his life, ups and downs. As usual, this video is a work of art itself. Thanks for sharing your passion for art to the community.

[@chartreux1532]

What a great Surprise! I remember a Year or so ago i asked if you could do a Video on this Painting among some other iconic Paintings by Germans (Since i'm German myself and a Historian). Surprises like this from Creators you enjoy are always great! Also kudos for pronouncing "Caspar David Friedrich" as german as you possible could as a non native speaker, that surprised me too! I don't care much about non-native german speakers pronouncing our Words and Names correctly but i do really appreciate the Effort! Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps

[@GreatArtExplained]

Danke! 🙏

[@chartreux1532]

I also want to add that i'm glad you brought up the German Cultural Connection to Nature, Landscapes etc. Me being from Berchtesgaden (if anyone reading this doesnt know that Area, google image search "Berchtesgadener Land") i can really connect with that. Also down here in the Areas surrounding the Alps, whether Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland etc. we still to this Day celebrate more Pagan Festivities and Traditions than any other Area of Europe which in my Opinion proves how beautiful Landscapes can become very strong in the local Culture. For example, throughout all the Countries i just mentioned in the Area of the Alps we all celebrate a Version of the "Perchtenlauf" (also google image search or YT that) which is an Ancient Pagan Tradition which varies almost as little as from Town to Town regarding the Outfits, Costumes, Masks and what is done. I myself dress up each Year as a "Perchte" and take part in it. I could write a whole Essay here but if you who is reading this is interested in it, definitely look into that. It's one of the last (mostly Germanic) Pagan Traditions that focus intensely on Nature itself still alive and well in Europe.

[@Badficwriter]

The figure's pose feels meaningful as well. There is before him a suggestion of something beyond human understanding and power, but he faces it head on, without fear or aggression. He is a small thing, a mere mortal, but he is a complete work unto himself. Somehow his wonder enhances the void just as its contemplation enhances him.

[@reginaldojunior1778]

So amazing!! And just like you said this painting "Above the Sea of Fog" gives me the feeling of the sublime, and also the greateness of the nature, it's really nice. And the part of the movies, I just remember your video saying about the influences of the art in the movies. This video blow my mind, something this channel provides me. Thanks, James😁 for another great video!!

[@davigamerdesenhista3552]

I love your channel, I'm Dave Motta, an Brazilian student born in Salvador-Bahia, since I was a kid I loved drawing, something that my mom motivated me to do. In 2020 I discovered what I wanted to be, an Cartoonist and Comic artist, but, it started badly, some of my uncles and parents said this doesn't give you money and future... But I never stopped. Until now I created over 300 comics, something that in my age, 12 years old, it's a record. Years later, in 2023,i decided to be not just an cartoonist, but an artist, mangaka, comic creator and designer. Today I have 300 comics and strips, I also did 2 paintings, and I have lots and LOTS of art. Thanks to motivate me , my favorite painting is " NightHawks " by Edward Hopper in 1942. .

[@starmaker75]

This painting has been a favorite because I love water and find ocean a good metaphor for the subconscious(given that where life begin) and this video explains why painting like this are great.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment 🙏

[@nikosb1978]

We missed ur videos. U really make people look into qualities that the arts give to a person in a tech cold era.

[@furihreunsicherheit3624]

The Wanderer above the Sea Fog is such an iconic piece and replicated everywhere! My German grandmother recreated this piece back when she used to paint. It's a valued family treasure now. Love your channel, thanks for a wonderful video!

[@s.o.3753]

In addition to the content which is always 10/10, your videos are also amazing unintentional ASMR. Your voice is so calming. Great for winding down at night.

[@bradleyveel9587]

you never miss, cant wait to see what you publish this year james! Always makes my day seeing a new video posted, this channel has done wonders for my appreciation of art.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@vengefultiger7797]

He’s definitely one of my favorite artists

[@fatemehshahmohammad8191]

Incredibly made video, thank you forever. I have a new favourite artist.

[@steeno1985]

James - you never fail to engage the viewer with each and every video of yours I've seen. You provide such great social, historical and personal context to understand the art(ist). Always a valuable learning experience and so well scripted and edited. You deserve every success. Keep up the good work 👏

[@atom_c]

I loved this painting when I first saw it (in a Stewart Lee show, of all places). It was great to hear more about it, Caspar David Friedrich and to see some more of his work

[@adaobianchini]

Quite simply the best series of any kind that I have come across on KZbin. Interesting, bright and well produced. This series always serves great justice to the great subject. I only wish that there were more. Thank you James and all the best with your work

[@MeanderBot]

One of my favorite paintings. It speaks to the part of me that wants to wander away from the campground or to explore alleys behind buildings. Thanks for the video. Made me appreciate the work and artist more.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Until my retirement, I had to explain the Romantic movement in response to the enlightenment and your short explanation was wonderful, and left me wishing I would have had it then!

[@marctl4491]

I have a copy of this painting in my room, truly mesmerising

[@guillermodiego819]

Excellent! Just found that one of my favorite paintings ever, whose name and artist I couldn't find, is actually Friederich's! Thank you so much!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wonderful!

[@pres4954]

This is one of my favorite paintings of all time!!! Thank you❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

You're welcome 😊

[@FrontNine09]

This painting speaks to me above all other paintings as I came across it during a time of great mourning and depression. Whilst I see in your analysis great logic regarding the theology and nationalism I do find it curious that depression isn't posited as a potential subject matter, or at least a theme.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment - I hear what you are saying

[@kevinrazban8906]

“A Walk At Dusk” hangs at the Getty which is local to me! Thank you for the insight. I find the solitude of these figures so mesmerizing and the landscapes evocative of some type of emotional state of being. A contemplation of what lies beyond our grasp.

[@janblazevic848]

My favourite picture of all time hands down! I learned about it in school and later my mom painted it for me :)

[@GreatArtExplained]

That's awesome!

[@nebojsasavic6262]

One of my favorite painters. I always saw this painting as a "look inwards", as if a man is looking onto his landscape of the soul, foggy, windy and wast, not yet explored. Wandering further means discovering more about your true self. Great work as always. ❤

[@TheHugues01]

The Great Art Explained video or how to feel elevated and whole for 20 min and more through Art. Thank you James for building this magical bridge connecting profanes like me with Great Art. I am just back from the amazing Mark ROTHKO exhibition in Paris and clearly I would never have even thought of going if not for your great video about Rothko which moved me a lot. Please count me as one additional convert thanks to GAE. Immensely appreciative of your work. And forever grateful. Thank you.

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s such a nice comment - thanks so much🙏 I’m looking forward to seeing the Rothko in February!

[@neilharvey5905]

Perhaps you should cite Kant's (3rd) Critique of Judgement, a text contemporary with CDF, which revivified the notion of the Sublime in a way which still resonated with Lyotard, or even perhaps Derrida. Kant's 'turn to the subject' reorientated aesthetics towards the subject's response, rather than to, as always before, qualities of the object. That tallies with your observations on Romanticism. Another contemporary would be Schubert, whose song cycle Winterreise tracks a a young man's immersion in nature, whilst seeking death because of disappointment in love. But we do think this is very concise and clear exposition of a very complex moment in art history. Well done.

[@shelahhorvitz3838]

So well done. I have been thinking about using in my own paintings the device of a small figure in a large landscape, because it pulls in the viewer and creates a vicarious experience, so I recently wrote about it. A reader pointed me to Friedrich, who of course I knew about but hadn't been thinking about. Your well-researched video showed me not only is he relevant but I need to start digging into him, thinking more seriously about what he was trying to accomplish. Thanks for the help.

[@yvonneferguson8575]

Have not heard of this artist before. Thank you for introducing us.

[@blauebanane9]

Im from Germany and i never know much about this artist and his paintings. Now im really thankful for your awesome video to show me this great artist.

[@TheInkPitOx]

Imagination is key to creativity

[@kkc4210]

I really like the stories behind all these famous paintings and the artists. This painting also remains me about Turner's paintings, hope James will take one session to discuss his paintings,

[@mimamo]

Really well done video on Caspar David Friedrich and The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog. Just a couple of days ago I was looking for one, and didn't find too many here. Then today this was in my recommendations. :) It's wild to think such a great and boundaries breaking artist would fade into obscurity already before his death. So tragic but so true. I am glad art and recently also pop culture has discovered him again, and is giving him and his art the deserved attention and reverence. Since you mentioned movie posters inspired by his work, it's also in recent video games, particularly the open world variety, where you journey through vast and beautiful landscapes, where CD Friedrich and his work has been referenced a lot, for example in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Genshin Impact.

[@sarahgautam7277]

I can't get enough of these videos. They are so well balanced. Symbolism and taking on all the ideas of all the ways to see a painting, you are respectful to the viewer and the artist. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@Sketchingstories12]

Your exploration of 'The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich' was truly captivating. The in-depth analysis, emotional insights, and historical context provided a rich understanding of the masterpiece. Your passion for art shines through, creating an informative and visually stimulating experience. Eagerly anticipating more insightful analyses from your channel. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@alainawilson918]

The ending lines gave me chills! Superb video about an iconic piece of art.

[@SikandarKashfi]

I see this painting as the celebration of the glory of solitude, where intense introspection and self discovery takes place.

[@daniels.]

This is one of my favorite paintings of all time, and I really enjoyed your "explanation" : very careful and to the point. Thanks!

[@Impulseartworks]

I Watch your videos when I’m searching for inspiration to paint thanks !

[@athenlafoy1]

This has been the only painting replica I have ever bought. It speaks such volumes to me. I now have an even greater appreciation of it thanks to your analysis. Thank you

[@maryschvoice]

Thank you for this video, he is one of my favorite paintors, I used to have the Wanderer Above the sea of Fog as wallpaper and felt it differently everytime I looked at it.

[@mengzhang435]

You are one of the few KZbin channels whose videos I can watch for >10 mins in patience and amazement. Please keep up the good work and don’t get rushed. Art for art’s sake. Thank you so much for your elegant work!

[@abrilaltes6032]

My art journey started with your voice explaining a masterpiece. Thank you, for bringing me to the light.

[@lesliealperin8241]

Thank you again, James, for your insightful comments and for your great appreciation of the artist at work.

[@lindenpeters2601]

This piece was on the cover or maybe a title page of one of my high school literature textbooks, and I've never forgotten it. I think it was also featured in one of my music history books in college (music major). It's one thing to study wars and dates and politics; but studying the art and poetry and music from the same period of time really puts you into that era. Romantic composers to listen to when studying Romantic art: Brahms, Schubert, Schumann. And Beethoven's later works. Beethoven is considered the bridge between the Classical and Romantic music eras.

[@martinelanglois3158]

Thank you! I only knew of this painting by him but now I know more. You are a great teacher.

[@irina9339]

A new video! YEY!!!!

[@victor0451]

Thank you so much for the videos you make! So much work! So much passion, translated in elegant and simple language!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like them!

[@AlisAquilae92]

I love the care and skill you pour into your videos, pure quality. Cant wait for more amazing videos

[@AnquelStal]

Always loved this painting, and now i like it even more.

[@VisualVoyages08]

Your channel is a captivating journey into the profound connections between art and popular culture. The revelation of how great painters influence movie posters is mind-blowing, adding a deeper layer to the appreciation of art. Your brilliant explanations make me wish every museum had an audio guide as insightful as your videos. As someone not immersed in art studies, your exquisitely crafted content stands out, seamlessly merging art and explanation. Thank you for making art education so enjoyable and accessible!

[@hippolyte90]

These paintings are breathtaking, especially the one with Jesus on the cross.

[@burcu-giray]

Your videos have a calming and meditative effect. Thank you!

[@secretshaman189]

Love your explanations and review of the lives of the artists you cover. Great job!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like them!

[@jorgereyna1796]

Such well put together videos just wonderful

[@charliemccarroll3859]

My favourite artist....or one of them! Thank you.

[@lorr123x]

I have this painting in my living room ❤ would love to go and see the real one

[@BritBelle89]

My goodness you’ve created another masterpiece! That was stunning !

[@Jammil2477]

Friedrich was the first artist I came across in my first history degree module. Love his work.

[@juliomouraodepaiva]

loved that you used Waltraud Meier’s rendition of Isolde’s liebestod as the soundtrack for this video

[@holstblock.web3]

Wonderful video! I'm happy that CDV is having his 250 birthday this year honored with lots of exhibitions in Germany, right now Hamburg and soon Dresden.

[@ck7642]

Mahalo for this great video!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ulyssesthirteen7031]

Best commentary I've come across on CDF and 'Wanderer...'.