Wanderer above the Sea of Fog - Friedrich

I think this painting is one of the best embodiments of the Romantic period there is. It is "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" by Friedrich. It's depiction of a man standing awestruck and pensive, staring at the natural scene in front of him is symbolic of the whole movement. During this time period nature was deemed a type of omnipotent, uncontrollable might to whose might we must acquiesce. He seems to be in love with the beauty of the scene as he stands high atop a peak and look out and down at the world. However, there is still a sense of power and majesty that the world has that he both revere and fear.

I think his lack of movement in contrast with the constant movement of the clouds and fog plays a role in his feeling diminished by everything he is seeing. To contrast the movement as well, there are massive mountains on the horizon that even from this perspective seem enormous. The ruggedness of the terrain also makes the scene even more foreboding. However, one still gets a sense of conquering nature; he made it to the top of this mountain. But, I think that while he "conquered" this mountain he has a view of just how impressive the rest of the world is.