“Cross in the Wilderness” is an artwork by Frederic Edwin Church, completed in 1857. It belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is categorized under the landscape genre. This masterpiece is currently housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork depicts a serene wilderness scene, dominated by expansive, rugged terrain and a striking sky during the twilight hours. A significant feature within the landscape is a lone cross positioned on a rocky outcrop in the foreground, suggestive of human presence within the vast, untamed wilderness. The horizon stretches towards distant mountains, bathed in the warm hues of sunset, creating a tranquil yet majestic atmosphere. A waterfall cascades through the rocky terrain, adding to the natural beauty of the scene. The meticulous detail and use of light exemplify Church’s Romanticist style, emphasizing the sublime beauty of nature.