In the recent developments from the series “Severance,” the company Lumon Industries continues to display its penchant for unsettling artwork as a part of its propagandistic efforts. The Season 2 finale introduces “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor,” a painting that eclipses previous artwork in its eerie portrayal, such as “Kier Pardons His Betrayers” and “The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design.”
The painting symbolizes Mark’s near completion of a significant project called “Cold Harbor” and places him and his computer at the center of a scene in Woe’s Hollow, emphasizing his project’s importance to Lumon. The painting incorporates themes pertinent to the project, such as the icy waters, to further underline its significance.
“The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor” serves as a roundup of the show’s ensemble, showcasing characters who have played a role in guiding Mark to this juncture. On the left side of the painting are individuals like the MDR team (Irving, Helly, Dylan, and Petey) and characters who have complicated relationships with Lumon, including Devon, Ricken, and Harmony Cobel. These figures symbolize both allies and adversaries in Lumon’s narrative and highlight the complexities of Mark’s journey and the corporate dynamics at play.
Meanwhile, the right side features Lumon loyalists or those who have generally avoided conflict with the company, including Ms. Casey, MDR members Mr. Milchick and Miss Huang, and essential figures like Natalie Kalen and Doug Graner. The presence of the Four Tempers and the Goat Department adds additional layers to Lumon’s symbolic imagery.
Overlooking the scene are Lumon’s CEOs from the past, present, and future, led by Helena Eagan at the forefront, indicating her role in Lumon’s strategic direction. The intricate composition and character inclusion suggest Lumon’s intention to solidify its narrative and commemorate its objectives, even as Mark’s actions cast uncertainty on their plans.
The Season 2 developments reveal Lumon’s complex interactions and the depths of its propagandistic campaigns, furthering the storyline while underscoring the series’ thematic exploration of corporate manipulation and individual agency.
