“Heroic Symbol V,” created by Anselm Kiefer in 1970, belongs to the art movements of Expressionism and Surrealism. This figurative artwork serves as a potent representation of Kiefer’s distinctive style, merging emotive intensity with dreamlike imagery.
In the artwork, three monumental statues are set against a vivid blue sky. They evoke a sense of grandeur and timeless heroism, reminiscent of classical and mythological figures. The statues are depicted with dramatic postures: one on horseback, another with wings and a group of figures, and a third raising a sword in a powerful gesture. Below them, a lone figure stands on the ground, raising an arm, perhaps in a gesture of admiration or questioning. The scene is underscored by a horizon line that divides the sky from a body of water, adding a layer of depth and perspective to the composition. The somber yet evocative aesthetic captures both the awe and the ambiguity tied to notions of heroism and legacy.
