Anselm Kiefer’s large work titled ‘Jerusalem’ was created in 1986 and measures approximately thirteen by eighteen feet. The painting is striking at first glance as it features a high horizon that is centered with a golden glow. Kiefer has also used the concept of breaking throughout his piece as the horizon line is often broken, moved or put in a higher position.
This artwork captures the essence of Kiefer’s journey to Jerusalem where he encountered feelings of loss, ruin and abandonment. He explores these emotions by using his intricate style of painting which forms the basis of this stunning representation. Jerusalem has great depth and textures, capturing the artist’s vision in an almost tangible way.
For those looking to explore similar pieces of artwork, John Frederick Kensett created his painting ‘Sunset on the Sea’ back in 1872. Kensett’s landscape depicts an expression of peace and calm, contrasting sharply with Kiefer’s intense emotions noticed within his painting ‘Jerusalem’. Although produced more than one hundred years apart, both these works provide an insight into great artists’ interpretations of the world around them.
