“The Posts” is a symbolic painting created by Leon Spilliaert in 1910. Spilliaert crafted this artwork utilizing Indian ink wash and crayon, imbuing it with the expressive qualities that align with the Expressionism movement. The work measures 65 by 50 centimeters and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork portrays an eerie and haunting seascape, dominated by vertical forms that pierce the scene. These elongated posts, standing within the expanse of an undulating, patterned sea, appear almost sentient, drawing a stark contrast against the horizontal stratification of gentle waves in the background. The use of muted and dark tones instills a somber and introspective mood. The top of one post manifests a figurative shape, evoking a sense of isolation and possibly symbolizing the human condition or introspection. The overall ambiance is one of solitude and alienation, a theme commonly explored within the Expressionist framework where the inner turmoil or emotion of the artist often comes to the fore.
