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The Comedy of the Rhinegold by Aubrey Beardsley
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The Comedy of the Rhinegold by Aubrey Beardsley
Frontispiece to The Comedy of the Rhinegold by Aubrey Beardsley Date: 1896
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7234807
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10500147
1896 Aubrey Beardsley Comedy Frontis Piece Rhine Gold
EDITORS COMMENTS
This frontispiece, titled "The Comedy of the Rhinegold," is a masterpiece by the renowned English artist Aubrey Beardsley, created in 1896. The image serves as the introduction to Richard Wagner's opera of the same name, which premiered in 1861. Beardsley's innovative and distinctive artistic style, characterized by his intricate black line drawings and bold contrasts, perfectly encapsulates the whimsical and fantastical nature of Wagner's opera. In this image, we see the god Wotan, ruler of the gods, standing atop a rocky outcropping overlooking the Rhine River. He gazes intently at the golden treasure submerged in the riverbed below, which was stolen by the dwarf Alberich and forged into the infamous Rhinegold ring. Wotan's expression conveys a mix of longing and regret, as he is unable to claim the treasure for himself due to a previous vow. The Comedy of the Rhinegold is the first opera in Wagner's epic four-part cycle, the Ring Cycle. The story follows the quest for the ring and its consequences on the gods and humanity. Beardsley's frontispiece serves as a visually striking and intriguing introduction to this complex and thought-provoking opera. This exquisite print, with its rich history and artistic significance, is a must-have for any art or opera enthusiast. The intricacy and detail of Beardsley's line work are truly breathtaking, and the image's ability to transport the viewer to the fantastical world of Wagner's opera is a testament to the power of art to inspire and captivate.
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