The hauntingly beautiful oeuvre of Germany's most renowned Romantic painter comes to life in the pages of this superbly produced overview that presents famous and lesser-known works in full and in detail.

Considered one of the most important figures in nineteenth-century German art, Caspar David Friedrich is best known for his dramatic and emotional paintings, which often feature contemplative figures, vast landscapes, and an emphasis on the sublime and the spiritual.

This book takes a chronological approach to Friedrich's career, beginning with his early years producing traditional religious and historical scenes. It explores his innovative use of light and colour, and his unprecedented treatment of landscape as a living, dynamic entity, rather than simply as a backdrop or stage for other subjects. The beautifully reproduced works and details in this volume help readers appreciate the striking qualities of Friedrich's works: his muted, atmospheric colour palette; swirling clouds, dramatic mountains and turbulent seas; and the subtle shifts in light and shadow that occur throughout the day.

Readers will come away with a renewed appreciation for Friedrich's depictions of the natural world and the unique and provocatively emotive qualities of his work.

Publisher: Prestel