Seán M. Williams

Observing nature observed: the art of Caspar David Friedrich

Friedrich’s scenes may appear to depict nature unbound, but they are also famous for their Rückenfiguren in the foreground, the men and women with their backs to us, facing what we also see

‘Moonrise over the Sea’, by Caspar David Friedrich, 1821. [© BPK/NationalGalerie SMB/Jörg P. Anders]
  • Comments

  • Caspar David Friedrich: Art for a New Age

    Markus Bertch and Johannes Grave

    Thames & Hudson, pp. 496, £50

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading for free

Subscribe today to get 3 months’ free digital access.

  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828
  • Plus, three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph

Read next

Trending

Gavin Mortimer

Diane Abbott doesn’t understand fascism

Gavin Mortimer
Diane Abbott believes that Giorgia Meloni is a ‘literal fascist’. That must come as a surprise to the 12.3 million voters who elected her prime minister of Italy two years ago. Not to mention King Charles, who hosted Meloni at Blenheim Palace in July. The Right Honourable Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington described

Because you read about art history

Latest

Comments

Join the debate for free — this month only

This month, be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for free. We’ll also give you three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph.

Already a subscriber? Log in