Kopelberg-Oberammergau 1934

This lithograph, Kopelberg-Oberammergau, by Marsden Hartley, captures the imposing mountain in the Bavarian Alps. The mountain itself, looming large, is rendered with dark pencil strokes that suggest a primal force. Mountains, throughout history, have served as potent symbols. Think of Mount Olympus, the dwelling of the Greek gods, or Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The mountain is a universal symbol for ascent, revelation, and the crossing of spiritual thresholds. The imposing peak suggests a reaching towards the heavens, a striving for higher understanding that resonates across cultures. It’s the same impulse that drove the builders of pyramids in Egypt and the architects of Gothic cathedrals, a deep-seated urge to connect with the divine. The image calls to mind a sense of awe, and perhaps even a touch of primordial fear, reminding us of nature's enduring power to inspire and overwhelm. This symbol continues its cyclical journey through art and culture.