glacier above moraine lake 1928 Arthur Lismer

The composition presents a monumental landscape dominated by a glacial mass and surrounding peaks. Here we observe a stark contrast between the cool blues and whites of the upper regions and the warmer tones – reds, browns, and ochres – that define the foreground. The artist has employed a fractured approach to form; the mountains are not rendered with smooth contours but rather as angular planes that intersect and overlap. This fragmentation creates a sense of instability and dynamism within the scene.
The glacier itself is depicted as a powerful, almost overwhelming presence. Its sheer scale dwarfs the surrounding terrain, emphasizing its immense weight and slow, inexorable movement. The snow-covered peaks behind it appear similarly imposing, their sharp edges cutting into the dark sky.
In the foreground, a ridge of earth or rock rises abruptly, providing a visual anchor to the composition. This element is rendered in rich, earthy tones that contrast sharply with the icy blues and whites above. It suggests a sense of solidity and permanence, yet its angularity echoes the fractured nature of the mountains beyond.
The color palette contributes significantly to the overall mood. The subdued hues – the dark sky, the muted greens and browns – create an atmosphere of quiet grandeur and perhaps even melancholy. The limited use of bright colors draws attention to specific areas, such as the snow-capped peaks, which seem to glow with an internal light.
Subtly, there is a sense of tension between the natural forces at play. The glacier’s slow but relentless advance seems poised against the stability represented by the foreground ridge. This interplay suggests themes of time, change, and the enduring power of nature. The artists choice to depict this landscape in such an abstracted manner implies a desire to convey not merely a visual representation, but also an emotional response to its immensity and grandeur.