The message of the Hugo Simberg painting “At the Crossroads”

"At the crossroads"
Hugo Simberg
(1894)

Kimmo Huosionmaa

The symbolism of the art is the very deep thing. When the portrait is looked the first time many people see only the picture of something. But when we are thinking about the portrait, there might be the very deep story to tell for the watcher. Above the text is Hugo Simberg painting, where angel and devil are walking together with the man.


First, we will see the very funny situation, but then there would be a serious message for the observer. Hugo Simberg wanted to tell us, that when the man learns some skills, this person makes always own choices between good and bad. The devil is on the right side, and it pulls the man to walk together with this character.


Angel in at the left side of the person. The symbol of this character is that the choices must be made by using the heart. This is sometimes difficult, and when we are looking at this portrait, we must say, that the choice to follow the devil seems sometimes be right. And following the devil always looks like very easy.


Evil always promises something nice looking thing, what symbolizes those ships at the strait. The canvas of those ships is red, what symbolizes hate and violence. This thing means that devil promises the revenge for that man. Angel promises nothing. But when we are thinking about those promises, the devil will set this man to the position, where this person must thank this devil. So devil hangs this person in his character, and addicts this man about the gifts what this bad character gives to this man in this painting.


When people are walking with the angel, they will walk straight ahead. But then there would be no choice than choose of two roads what are offered. This person has come to “T” crossing, where he must make the choice, what road would he choose. And they would understand the consequences of the decisions, what this person makes. Following the devil seems very easy, but it would not take the life anywhere. The initial setting of the portrait is quite a mark of Stoic philosophy, where people should be very cold and objective.

And the devil at the right side of the man symbolizes also the inducements of the life. There are many things, how the person can destroy the own and other people life. And those things like drugs, illegal activities and bad company should be avoided. This is the thing what Simberg wants to tell the people in this portrait.

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