The artwork titled “14. Feb. 45,” created by Gerhard Richter in 2002, is an example of the New European Painting movement. Classified within the cityscape genre, this piece presents a representation of urban scenery from a bird’s-eye view, capturing the intricate layout of streets, buildings, and roadways.
In the artwork, the viewer is offered a detailed aerial perspective of a city, focusing particularly on its road infrastructure and architecture. The composition includes an extensive network of roads and highways, intersecting and intertwining, suggesting a moment frozen in time from a significant historical period. The depiction is rendered in monochromatic tones, which enhances the dramatic and contemplative atmosphere of the scene. The reflection of sunlight on certain areas adds depth and texture, creating a sense of realism and immersion. The meticulous attention to detail invites observers to ponder the historical and emotional context of the cityscape portrayed.
