Monk Gazing Upward 1916

Lovis Corinth rendered this etching, titled Monk Gazing Upward, during a time of renewed interest in spiritual themes. Note the monk's upward gaze and the gesture of his hands clasped at his chest. These are potent symbols of devotion and introspection. This yearning, upward glance echoes across centuries, reminiscent of the figures in medieval altarpieces, their eyes raised to the heavens in supplication. The hand gesture, too, finds resonance in countless religious works, a universal sign of piety. Consider how this symbol shifts across time. In antiquity, upward glances may have been associated with pagan deities or celestial bodies. Over time, with the rise of Christianity, this gesture became synonymous with divine communication. It’s a powerful emotional state that engages us on a deep, subconscious level. And so, we see how a simple gesture can be a thread connecting us to the past. A non-linear, cyclical progression of symbolism, resurfacing and evolving across history.