The Journey of the Stone Unicorn 2005

Stefan Caltia painted "The Journey of the Stone Unicorn," and with it, we embark on a voyage that blurs the boundaries between the real and the mythical. Caltia, born in Romania in 1942, grew up during a period of immense political change. His work often reflects the tensions between tradition and modernity. In this piece, a lone woman guides a boat carrying a stone unicorn through calm waters. The unicorn, traditionally a symbol of purity and grace, is rendered in stone, suggesting a loss of innocence or perhaps the enduring strength of myth in a changing world. The woman, with her simple dress and steady gaze, could be seen as a guardian, navigating the currents of history. There’s a dream-like quality to this image, inviting us to consider the journeys we all undertake, carrying our own symbols and beliefs through uncertain waters. It is a reflection of the artist's own journey navigating the complexities of identity and history.