Artwork
Das Wasser
Das Wasser is an oil painting by Felix Meyer. It dates from 1693 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1693, this oil on canvas by Felix Meyer portrays a turbulent marine scene. The composition centers on a jagged shoreline where a massive wave crashes, while a solitary figure stands upon the rocks, observing the restless sea beneath a brooding sky.
Subject & Meaning
The work juxtaposes human presence with the overwhelming forces of nature, suggesting contemplation of humanity’s vulnerability. The lone figure, positioned at the edge of the shore, appears to confront the sea’s power, evoking themes of awe, danger, and the sublime that were prevalent in late‑17th‑century visual culture.
Technique & Style
Meyer employs strong contrasts of light and dark, a chiaroscuro approach that sculpts the rock faces and rolling water with dramatic depth. The interplay of illuminated highlights against shadowed clouds and surf enhances the sense of movement, while the textured brushwork conveys the tactile quality of stone and foam.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it has been displayed as an example of Baroque maritime painting. Its acquisition date is not recorded in the provided data, but the work remains attributed to Meyer and dated to the early 1690s.
Artist & collection
