Epitaph IV 1961

Karlo Zvirynsky's "Epitaph IV" presents a dark tableau populated with symbolic forms, each carefully rendered to evoke a sense of ritual. Painted in oil, its somber palette and rough texture suggest an ancient artifact or relic. The composition is structured around distinct zones, each housing enigmatic glyphs and geometric shapes. To the left, a tablet-like form inscribed with text and symbols anchors the composition, while to the right, a vertical arrangement of shapes and lines creates a visual counterpoint. The interplay of reds, yellows, and whites against the dark background accentuates the symbolic weight of each element. The use of simple, almost primitive forms destabilizes any clear reading, pushing us towards a more intuitive, emotional understanding. In its construction, “Epitaph IV” challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to contemplate the transient nature of symbols and their interpretation across time. This is not just an image but a space where the aesthetic and the philosophical converge, urging us to reconsider our relationship with history and memory.