November. Design for a Ceiling Painting for the Café Bauer c. 1884

Hans Thoma created this ceiling painting design for the Café Bauer at the turn of the century, a time when artists often intertwined classical allegories with modern life. Thoma's piece suggests a symbolic mapping of time through zodiac figures and seasonal imagery. The design’s visual language is rooted in traditional representations, yet it also hints at the changing perceptions of identity and nature during a time of rapid industrialization. Consider how Thoma integrates symbols of November, such as Sagittarius, with the pastoral imagery of birds and a cherubic figure. The artist here seems to seek a harmonious balance between the classical and the contemporary, creating a space for reflection amidst the hustle of modern café society. As you consider this work, think about how Thoma uses these established symbols to evoke a sense of nostalgia, while subtly acknowledging a world in transition.