Aquarius 1907

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis created this otherworldly painting, Aquarius, with watercolor, tempera, and pastel on paper. The piece evokes a dreamscape where a hazy, indistinct architecture meets the vast, deep indigo of the night sky. I'm imagining him there, making this, reaching into the dark, trying to give form to something he can barely see. That lone, slender spire of light, piercing through the darkness, feels significant. Maybe it represents hope or spiritual awakening. Then there’s that constellation – a map in the sky – reminding us of our place in the cosmos. It feels like Ciurlionis wants us to ponder the unknown. It's interesting to see how he combines elements of symbolism and art nouveau, creating a mystical, deeply personal vision. The work feels like a quiet invitation to reflect on the mysteries of existence, each brushstroke layered with feeling and intent. And it reminds you that we're all just artists, stargazing together across time.