Rex

This masterpiece, the biggest of all Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis paintings, unites all topics that he explored as a painter:  duality, ruler of all Universe, various concepts of God, all elements of nature, and fantasy elements.  In this painting Čiurlionis explores what the universe consists of, including nature elements like fire (the fire altar in the middle lower half), water (the ocean of the Earth), earth (the planet Earth), and air (the clouds). The painting doesn’t stop there, however, it also explores what is beyond the earthly world.

Angels surround the night sky that is full of moons and comets. These come from the painter’s fascination with astronomy. Each world seems to be a part of a bigger world; as you explore the painting further, you find new layers of knowledge.  The pillar of the painting is the supposed ruler of the Universe. There are actually two rulers, two kings in the painting—one smaller and light, and another bigger and dark. This, as well as the light/dark, sun/moon, and fire/water motifs, symbolizes the duality of life.

We present today's work thanks to the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art.  :)

P.S. If you're up for more Abstraction, please check out our DailyArt Prints where you will find some abstract masterpieces printed in extreme high quality.  :) 

P.P.S. Would you like to hear a painting by Čiurlionis? Click here! :)