Wreck in the Sea of Ice
by FRIEDRICH, Caspar David, Oil on canvas, 30 x 22 cm
The attribution of this painting to Friedrich is not undisputed. It is possible that the picture stems from the hand of a student friend in Copenhagen and that Friedrich gave it to relatives in Neubrandenburg, in whose possession it is later recorded.
Precisely when Friedrich first experimented in oils remains the subject of dispute. Even if we attribute to him the Wreck in the Sea of Ice this must remain an isolated tentative attempt, since sepia drawings subsequently continue to dominate his output.