“The Starry Heavens Above Us, and the Moral Law Within” is a figurative artwork created by Anselm Kiefer between 1969 and 2010, associated with the New European Painting movement.
The artwork is a complex and evocative piece that contrasts the night sky, filled with stars, against an earthly scene featuring what appears to be ancient ruins and a lone figure in the background. The upper portion of the artwork is painted predominantly in black, adorned with specks of white representing the stars, creating a vast and expansive depiction of the cosmos. In the lower portion, an ethereal and almost spectral figure stands amidst what seems to be the remnants of a once-grand structure, perhaps evoking ideas of history, decay, and contemplation. Subtle brushstrokes and layering techniques create a textural depth, enhancing the visual complexity. The title of the artwork is handwritten toward the lower part, integrating text as a crucial element of the composition. The stark contrast between the celestial and terrestrial elements serves as a profound visual metaphor reflecting the philosophical themes embedded within the artwork.
