ma Berni Untitled2 Oliviero Berni

The composition presents a submerged urban landscape rendered in a palette dominated by greens and yellows, suggesting both decay and a strange, unnatural vitality. A dense, overcast sky casts a diffused light upon the scene, contributing to a sense of foreboding and isolation. The horizon line is low, emphasizing the vastness of the water and the scale of the disaster depicted.
Here we see remnants of architectural structures – buildings, portions of which are visible above the waterline – submerged in what appears to be an expansive body of water. These buildings exhibit signs of deterioration; vegetation clings to their surfaces, indicating a prolonged period of inundation. A rescue vessel is positioned near one of the larger structures, and a helicopter hovers overhead, suggesting ongoing efforts at recovery or assessment. The perspective implies that the viewer is observing this scene from an elevated position, possibly a surviving landmass.
In the foreground, a large iguana sits perched on a rocky outcrop, its gaze directed towards the submerged city. This creature’s presence introduces a layer of symbolic complexity. Iguanas are often associated with resilience and adaptation, suggesting perhaps that nature is reclaiming what was once human territory or that some forms of life can endure even in catastrophic circumstances. The iguanas size relative to the surrounding environment further emphasizes its dominance within this altered world.
The color scheme reinforces the painting’s unsettling atmosphere. The pervasive green evokes associations with both growth and toxicity, while the yellow hues in the sky suggest a sickly or unnatural light source. This combination creates an overall impression of environmental degradation and potential danger.
Subtexts embedded within the work seem to explore themes of ecological collapse, human hubris, and the enduring power of nature. The submerged city can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked development and disregard for the environment. The iguana’s presence acts as a silent witness – or even a beneficiary – of this downfall, prompting reflection on humanitys place within the larger ecosystem.