The poetry collection "Amers" published in 1948 by the French Nobel Prize winner Saint-John PerseIn was referenced by Anselm Kiefern in numerous works of art and by applying diverse artistic techniques. In particular, the eponymous poem "Étroits sont les vaisseaux" ("Narrow are the vessels") often recurs in Kiefer's oeuvre, such as in this large-scale painting created between 1998 and 2000.
In powerful colour cascades, Kiefer lets a huge tidal wave break in on a water surface. From its centre an erratic metal shape rises. It appears as a ship's prow but in the end remains entirely enigmatic within its individually structured compartments.
Overwritten by date and time indications, the waves of color are scribbled above all upon with tally lists reminiscent of counting down days like on the wall of a prison cell. Only upon closer inspection does it become apparent that below the floods of colour lies a large photograph. The overall depiction of which remains unrecognizable and only flashes through in smallest parts in a few places.
