Exemplarizing expressionism, angst-filled symbols abound. His hair ablaze and sweater Thulian pink, Youth stands lit in superior opposition to monochrome, cadaverous Age below. Youth has vivacity, but waits patiently. His counterpart may be a Munchian Screamer who has settled into calm acceptance. Other influences might include members of Der Blaue Reiter group such August Macke, Albert Bloch and Wassily Kadinsky, for whom blue represented spirituality. Without provenance, we can only guess; perhaps the artist chose to remain anonymous to emphasize The Unknown.

We ride on an uncertain sea, our decks awash. Is that sunrise or sunset on the horizon? Is the dark cerulean storm waxing or waning? Where does deck end and sea begin? Will Youth sail on and leave Age behind, or descend to join him? We finally notice that that the artist has placed us all aboard… and our sinking ship is maroon.