Die Sonne stürzt 1922

Max Pechstein's print, "The Sun Falls," captures a landscape dominated by stark contrasts and a foreboding atmosphere. The sun, a hollow circle radiating harsh lines, plunges in the sky—a potent symbol across cultures, often representing life, energy, and divinity. Yet here, it is in decline. Its descent evokes the ancient motif of the setting sun, mirroring themes of mortality, decay, and endings found in myths worldwide. The motif echoes in Egyptian art, where the sun god Ra journeys through the underworld each night, battling chaos. It resurfaces in Christian iconography, where the setting sun can symbolize the end of an era or divine judgment. The psychological impact is undeniable: the collapsing sun triggers primal fears of darkness and uncertainty. It's a symbol that transcends time, carrying anxieties and hopes that are perpetually reborn.