The Woman with the Lantern; Die Frau Mit Der Laterne Marianne von Werefkin (1860-1938)

Here we observe a landscape dominated by imposing mountains under a wintry sky. The palette is largely cool – blues and greens prevail, punctuated by the warm tones of red-brown in the mountain slopes and the structure that traverses the lower portion of the scene. A heavy snowfall blankets the ground, creating undulating forms that echo the contours of the hills behind.
The composition directs attention to a solitary figure positioned near the foreground. Dressed in dark robes, this individual carries a lantern, its light casting a small circle of illumination on the snow immediately surrounding them. The posture suggests movement, a journey undertaken through the harsh environment. This person is not centered; instead, they are placed slightly off-axis, contributing to a sense of isolation and perhaps vulnerability within the vastness of the landscape.
A significant architectural element cuts across the middle ground: a long, arched structure that appears to be either a viaduct or a series of connected bridges. Its repetitive form introduces an element of human intervention into the natural world, contrasting with the organic shapes of the mountains and trees. The color choice for this construction – a muted red-brown – integrates it somewhat into the landscape while simultaneously highlighting its artificiality.
The artist’s use of broad brushstrokes and simplified forms creates a stylized effect, moving away from strict realism. This approach lends an emotional intensity to the scene, emphasizing mood over precise representation. The mountains themselves are rendered with sweeping lines that convey their scale and power.
Subtly, there is a sense of melancholy present in this work. The solitary figure, the stark winter landscape, and the imposing architecture all contribute to a feeling of quiet contemplation or even loneliness. The lantern’s light, while offering a small beacon of hope, also emphasizes the surrounding darkness. It could be interpreted as symbolizing guidance through difficult times, but also as highlighting the individuals separation from any larger community. The viaduct, while suggesting connection and progress, might also represent an intrusion upon nature or a symbol of human ambition against the backdrop of enduring natural forces.