Old age; Lebensabend Marianne von Werefkin (1860-1938)

The composition presents a solitary figure seated within a landscape dominated by imposing mountains. The artist has arranged elements to create a distinct visual hierarchy; the peaks rise dramatically in the background, their forms rendered with broad strokes of white and pale yellow, contrasting sharply with the vibrant hues applied to the slopes below. These lower mountain faces are saturated with reds, oranges, and blues, creating an almost theatrical effect that emphasizes their scale and presence.
In the foreground, a figure dressed in dark clothing sits on a grassy knoll, attended by a flock of sheep. The individual’s posture suggests contemplation or weariness; they appear to be leaning heavily on a walking stick. A scattering of rocks leads towards the figure, establishing a pathway into the scene and drawing the viewers eye toward this central element. Several stylized trees are positioned along the right side of the composition, their rounded crowns providing a visual counterpoint to the jaggedness of the mountains.
The color palette is striking, employing intense, non-naturalistic tones that contribute to an overall sense of emotional weight. The use of complementary colors – particularly the juxtaposition of red and green – heightens the vibrancy of the scene while simultaneously creating a feeling of tension.
Subtleties within the work suggest themes of aging, reflection, and connection to nature. The solitary figure, surrounded by sheep, evokes images of pastoral life and perhaps a sense of quiet resignation or acceptance. The towering mountains could symbolize challenges overcome or the immensity of time itself. The overall effect is one of profound introspection, inviting contemplation on mortality and the passage of years within the context of an enduring natural world.