The artwork “Angst,” created by Alfred Kubin in 1903, belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is classified as a symbolic painting. This piece poignantly encapsulates the pervasive themes of fear and existential dread characteristic of Symbolism.
In “Angst,” a solitary figure is depicted clinging to the edge of a high cliff with a background imbued in darkness, emphasizing the sense of impending doom. The figure’s strained posture and the steep, almost insurmountable cliff faces evoke a profound feeling of desperation and helplessness. Below, shadowy forms loom with an indistinct yet menacing presence, enhancing the atmosphere of unease and existential threat. Kubin’s choice of monochromatic tones further intensifies the pervasive mood of anxiety and foreboding, aligning seamlessly with the symbolic intention of representing the intangible essence of human angst.
