Island of the Dead
The Met
Artist: Arnold Böcklin(Swiss, Basel 1827–1901 San Domenico, Italy)
Date: 1880
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: 29 x 48 in. (73.7 x 121.9 cm)
Credit Line: Reisinger Fund, 1926
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A dark, rocky island with tall trees and white structures, a boat with two figures
Detailed Description
A dark, rocky island rises steeply from dark water under a deep blue-black sky, occupying the central and lower portions of the canvas. The island is rendered in shades of brown and ochre. Tall, dark, cypress-like trees are silhouetted against the sky, densely covering the higher parts of the island. On the left side of the island, a white, rectangular, stepped structure is built into the rock face. On the right, another smaller white structure with a dark, rectangular doorway is visible, also integrated into the rocky terrain. In the lower center, a small, light-colored boat floats on the dark water. Two figures are in the boat: one stands upright, draped in white, facing the island, while the other is seated, appearing to be rowing. The overall lighting is dim, with subtle illumination highlighting the rock formations and the figures in the boat, creating a stark contrast with the dark sky and water.
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