Morning

In his allegory of German regeneration, Morning, painted in 1813 for the militant Prussian nationalist August Wilhelm von Gneisenau, the view is imaginary, leading to a classical city by a sunlit sea, antique fragments of which lie overgrown in the foreground. This Mediterranean culture is intended to denote the Renaissance, and it is approached by two women in old German costume, with their children rushing before them. Like Friedrich’s chasseur, two guards in plumed helmets symbolize the Napoleonic order now passing.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 5 minutes):

Edvard Grieg: Peter Gynt Suite No 1, Op, 46 (‘Morning Mood’)