Yliaster (Paracelsus)

The Fire and the Earth

A red plain stretches beneath a heavy sun. From this scorched ground, the volcanic peak of Popocatepetl rises, its silhouette cutting into a sky of intense blues. The sun hangs as a bright disk, casting rays that reach toward the edges of the frame. In this space, fire and earth contend with the cool depths of a lake and the atmosphere above. It is a landscape where the elements meet in a silent struggle.

The paint sits on paperboard, applied with an oil technique that defines sharp forms. The composition relies on the weight of color to create depth. Deep blues in the sky and water press against the warmth of the sun and the red earth. There is no soft transition here, only the meeting of distinct, powerful tones.

The Alchemy of Matter

The title refers to a term for prime matter, the base substance from which the universe is formed. This painting captures that fundamental state through its elemental focus: earth, air, fire, and water. The volcanic heat of the mountain and the sun represents the active force, while the blue lake and sky provide the necessary balance. It is a vision of the cosmos held within a single, concentrated moment.

Created in 1932, the work reflects a period of looking toward ancient, spiritual truths found in nature. The landscape feels imaginary, a reconstruction of elemental forces rather than a mere observation of a place. The eye is drawn to the center, where the light of the sun strikes the edge of the world.

The sun begins its ascent.