Persuasive Art: "A Cross in the Mountain"

A "Cross in the Mountain" by David Caspar Friedrich:

ARGUMENT:

WATCO: What are the effects of using allegories from nature on one’s ability to represent the importance of Christ’s atonement?

Claim: By using allegories from nature, David Caspar Friedrich creates a very serene way to represent the importance of Christ’s atonement.

Reason: Because by using allegories from nature, David Caspar Friedrich is able to show in a serene way how Christ’s atonement can lead us back into God’s presence.

Assumption: Showing how we are being lead back into God’s presence through Christ also draws on the importance of his atonement.


AUDIENCE: The Enlightened minds of the 19th century as well as those who tried to find meaning in life through abstract ways such as nature. He was also trying to persuade those who were skeptical about whether or not one could really symbolize religious aspects through landscape painting.


GOAL: To get others to see how nature magnifies Christ’s purpose on the earth, and the significance of what he’s accomplished for us.


HOW?:

Pathos: Friedrich is able to draw upon his viewers emotions in the painting through allegories such as the rays from the setting sun piercing the sky behind the summit of the mountain. If you look closely, the rays cascade out vertically into the frame of the picture leading the viewers’ sights into the clouds above. It seems as if Friedrich is illuminating the path to heaven starting with the figure of Christ as the starting point and source of the light.

Logos: Friedrich also does a good job of relating to his viewers by using symbols with which they already understand and can relate too. For example, going back to the usage of the rays, the common man understands that light represents ideals such as power, glory, and hope. By basking the silhouette of the crucified Christ in the light, Friedrich is able to symbolize and connect these elements to Christ. Power, glory, and hope are also three attributes which one hopes to obtain in life after our earthly stay.

Sufficient: Symbolism in the painting is not only found in the rays of the sun but also in: the mountain itself, the crucified Christ on the summit of the mountain, the fir trees dotting the mountain side, the setting sun itself, etc.


EFFICIENT: It’s a tossup as to whether or not Friedrich’s work really appealed to the tastes of many of his peers and critiques in the 19th century. But I felt that he at least touched to a degree, those who allowed themselves to be open-minded to such an atypical style of painting.