Romantics & Realists: Friedrich (2000)

Born in 1774, Caspar David Friedrich studied at the Academy in Copenhagen for four years before relocating to Dresden, Germany. He became known for his stunning depictions of German landscapes, featuring misty mornings, rolling hills, harbors, and other natural scenes. "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" is among his most celebrated works. Many of his paintings are interpreted as expressions of religious mysticism, including "The Cross in the Mountains." Friedrich frequently included crosses and Christian symbols to convey his faith. Some art historians believe his paintings contain profound religious commentary, such as "Abbey with Oak Trees," which is sometimes seen as a reflection on the Reformation's effect on earlier religious traditions.