László Szotyory's [1957, Cluj Napoca] oil painting, ‘Mediterranean Landscape’ depicts a quiet bay in the Romantic tradition of deserted shores, dark cypresses and Arcadian scenes, as one of the most popular themes in art history. The painting's familiarity and dreamlike atmosphere are reinforced by the choice of subject matter, the use of recurrent art historical motifs, and the sense of constant vibrancy that characterises Szotyory's paintings. This ambient mood is emphasised in the painterly language of ‘Mediterranean Landscape’, with light sweeping across the landscape from different directions, the surface of the water reflecting the blue of the sky in myriad shades so even the time of day is not clearly defined. A melancholic, pensive and wistful effect is created by the nuanced use of aerial perspective, creating a sense of infinity and making the mood of the painting elusive. The painting is like a door through which the viewer can walk out of the visual space. Szotyory's paintings are often compared with those of Giorgio de Chirico, who frequently depicted solitary ancient buildings, towers, wells or sculptures in his endless spaces. By evoking the painterly world of bygone eras in combination with familiar works of art, this painting also becomes a work that transcends time, awakening a desire for the eternal.