Alles Vergängliche ist nur ein Gleichnis. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe | Printable Wall Art

“Alles Vergängliche ist nur ein Gleichnis.”
“All that is transient is but a metaphor.”

Words by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) — German poet, novelist, and statesman.

About this quote

This line suggests that everything we experience in the physical world is temporary and serves as a symbol for a deeper, eternal truth. Rather than being the ultimate reality, fleeting moments, objects, and human experiences are merely allegories. Goethe invites the reader to look beyond surface appearances and seek the enduring spiritual meaning hidden within everyday life.

The line opens the final Chorus Mysticus at the end of Goethe’s drama, Faust, Part II, published in 1832. It summarizes the philosophical resolution of the entire work.

People often hang this print in a study or library to inspire quiet reflection on life and literature.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.