The Full Moon Marianne von Werefkin (1860-1938)

Here we observe a nocturnal coastal scene dominated by a powerful sense of scale and emotional intensity. The composition is structured around a large, luminous orb – the full moon – positioned centrally within a dramatic mountain range. These peaks are rendered in dark, almost monolithic forms, their surfaces textured with visible brushstrokes that suggest both solidity and an underlying instability. The mountains’ coloration shifts from deep blues and greens on the left to fiery reds and oranges on the right, creating a visual tension across the landscape.
Below this imposing backdrop lies a body of water reflecting the moons light in broad, shimmering strokes. This reflection is not merely a mirror image; it intensifies the overall chromatic effect, bathing the scene in an unsettling, almost feverish glow. Two small sailboats are visible on the water’s surface, their white sails catching the moonlight and providing a point of visual contrast against the dark expanse.
Along the shoreline, a group of figures is depicted engaged in what appears to be the launching or retrieval of a boat. Their forms are simplified and somewhat indistinct, contributing to an atmosphere of anonymity and perhaps even isolation. The clothing suggests a traditional style, with long, flowing garments that further emphasize their subdued presence within this grand landscape.
The painting’s palette is restricted but highly expressive. The use of complementary colors – the blues and oranges – heightens the visual drama and creates a sense of unease. The limited tonal range contributes to an overall feeling of melancholy and introspection.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of human insignificance in the face of nature’s power. The smallness of the figures compared to the monumental mountains and the vast expanse of water suggests a humbling perspective on existence. The moon, traditionally associated with mystery and transformation, casts an eerie light upon the scene, hinting at hidden depths and unspoken narratives. It is possible that the painting intends to evoke a sense of longing or perhaps even a quiet dread – a feeling of being adrift within a larger, unknowable world.