M.K. Čiurlionis always took an interest in the latest psychological and philosophical theories. He participated in philosophical and psychological discussions moderated by A. Marburg, a student of Wilhelm Wundt, who explored the topics of mythology, religion, art, and language as seen through the prism of psychology.

The artist attempted to use abstract forms to express concepts such as truth, friendship, thought and sorrow – all these words became the titles of his paintings. Everyone encounters these immaterial concepts in their lives; however, they are quite difficult to imagine and understand.

The most important element in “Truth” is the light of the burning candle held by the character's hand. Little angels flock towards the flame, burn their wings and fall to the ground. This is as if it is an all-purifying and illuminating truth, a symbol of the light in the human soul.

In Čiurlionis' worldview, light plays a special role. His letters and diaries often contain this symbol: “How much sunlight there is within us and above us” (letter to S. Kymantaitė, 24 June 1908, Druskininkai), “It would have been very enlightening, had I been more enlightened myself” (letter to S. Kymantaitė, 14 April 1908, Druskininkai), “I do not fear anything today – the bird of darkness has departed – it is so light that I see twelve rainbows above our heads” (letter to S. Kymantaitė, 31 October 1908, St. Petersburg), “But you need to have light with you, shining from you, so that you could light up the darkness for everyone standing on the road, so that they too, having seen your light, might find the light within themselves and proceed onto their own paths...” (diary, 1900?).

Individual paintings

The Thought

Serenity

Truth