Description
The work "Sermon of the mountain" by Christian Rohlfs, created in 1916, is a fundamental piece that stands out not only for its thematic content, but also for its bold formal treatment. Rohlfs, a prominent member of German expressionism, addresses in this work an emblematic moment of Christianity, the sermon of Jesus in the mountain, which contains deep teachings about morality, compassion and spiritual life. Through its interpretation, Rohlfs manages to translate the abstract concepts of faith into a vibrant and emotional visual language.
The use of color in this paint is particularly remarkable. The palette is intense and rich, dominated by terrible tones that evoke both the solemnity of the event and the connection with nature and humanity. The blue and green nuances found in the upper part suggest an open sky, interspersed with a touch of symbolism that could relate to transcendence and hope. The brushstrokes are gestural and energetic, which adds a dynamic component to the composition, in line with the urgency of the teachings that are presented.
When observing the composition, one realizes that Rohlfs has opted for a disposition that highlights the centrality of the figure of Jesus. Although there is no classic portrait, the figure of the Christ, represented with an abstract silhouette, is impregnated with a spiritual aura that elevates it on the rest of the figures present. Rohlfs uses the space intentionally, creating a visual chief that suggests the importance of the divine message that is being transmitted.
The characters in the painting, although not detailed in their individual characteristics, represent the sermon listeners. These figures are representative of the people, reflected with inaccurate contours that suggest more a multitude than specific individuals. The Rohlfs approach does not seek to individualize them, but rather makes them a group that assimilates the teachings of Jesus Christ. This stylistic choice is a badge of expressionism, which emphasizes emotions and collective experience above realism.
From a historical point of view, Rohlfs was a pioneer in the incorporation of expressionism in his work, moving the influences of impressionism and symbolism towards a language that prioritized subjectivity and emotional interpretation. Parallel works of his contemporary, such as "The Family" of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, also show stylized figures and a strong emotional load, characteristics that resonate in "Mountain Sermon."
The importance of "mountain sermon" transcends its visual appearance; It is a meditation on the teaching and connection between the divine and the human, framed in the context of the expressionist art of the early twentieth century. In this work, Rohlfs combines technical mastery and conceptual depth, offering a vision that invites reflection and dialogue on universal values that still last today. Without a doubt, this painting is a testimony of the power of art to communicate complex and emotional ideas through pure visual expression.
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