The artwork titled “Operation Sea Lion,” created by Anselm Kiefer in 1975, belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is categorized under the figurative genre. The piece, a profound example of Kiefer’s oeuvre, illustrates a powerful historical subject with intense visual and emotional depth.
The artwork presents a chaotic and tumultuous scene, dominated by a thick application of paint that evokes both physical and emotional texture. In the foreground, there is a depiction of naval warfare with ships engaged in battle, some of which are shrouded in smoke and flames. The sea appears confined within a rectangular boundary, adding to the sense of containment and turmoil. Above, large, fiery red chairs loom, suggesting a commanding presence over the multitude of faceless figures below, possibly symbolizing the omnipresent authority of the regime. The crowd seemingly fades into the background, merging with the dark, undefined environment. The overall tone of the artwork is somber, reflective of the devastation and intense historical implications of its subject matter.
