“Chalk Cliffs on Rügen,” an oil painting on canvas by Caspar David Friedrich, created approximately between 1818 and 1819 in Germany, epitomizes the Romanticism art movement. The landscape, measuring 90.5 x 71 cm, is currently housed in the Oskar Reinhart Foundation in Winterthur, Switzerland, and the Kunstmuseum Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland.
The artwork portrays a dramatic scene of towering chalk cliffs overlooking a serene, expansive sea, framed by delicate, arching trees. The depiction captures an atmosphere of tranquility and sublime beauty, characteristic of Friedrich’s romantic landscapes. The presence of three figures—two men and a woman—adds a human element, suggesting contemplation and connection with nature. The contrast between the sharp, white cliffs and the softer hues of the sky and sea, combined with the intricate detailing of the foliage and figures, demonstrates Friedrich’s masterful use of light and composition to evoke a sense of awe and introspection.
