Finale (Sonata of the Serpent) 1908

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis made "Finale (Sonata of the Serpent)" with paint, and probably a brush, to get these lovely effects. The blues and greens are so muted, like a memory, or a dream of a landscape. I find myself drawn to the lower right corner, where there's this plateau in pale greens, and on top of it, a crown. It’s a simple little mark, like a kid's drawing of a crown. This detail reminds me that art is about choices. The crown isn't there by accident; it's a deliberate act, a small gesture that opens up a whole realm of storytelling. Ciurlionis's work reminds me of Odilon Redon; they both have this way of creating worlds that feel both familiar and utterly strange. It’s like they’re both onto some secret language. I'm not sure what any of it means, but I want to keep looking!