Week 2: Harmut Rosa and Casper David Friedrich

“Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog” is a famous painting by the German Romantic artist Casper David Friedrich. The painting depicts a traveler who is seen standing atop a rocky surface, peering over an extensive and misty landscape. This artwork is often interpreted as symbolizing the sublime, the awe of nature, and the individual’s contemplation of the vastness of the world.

“The Uncontrollability of the World”, is a book by Harmut Rosa, a German sociologist. Rosa introduces the concept of “the world as a point of resonance” which argues that a meaningful engagement with the world involves a resonant relationship so that individuals and societies can bond with their surroundings.

Connecting these two concepts, one could argue that Friedrich’s painting captures a moment of resonance with nature. The traveler in the painting represents an individual who is seeking a connection with the infinite landscape. The foggy mountain scenery also evokes a sense of awe, which creates a space for contemplation and resonance with the natural world. In essence, both the painting and Rosa’s theory highlight the importance of a meaningful connection and engagement with the world, whether it be through the study of nature or seeking connection within our social and cultural environments.