Marguerite and Faust in the Garden
Artist: Ary Scheffer (Dutch, 1795-1858)
Movement: Romanticism
Date: 1846
Medium: Oil on canvas
Collection: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
Description
Scheffer’s work has been criticised as being overly sentimental, but his emotionally charged images struck a chord with the public, and he was one of the most popular artists of his day. Scheffer was inspired by the clarity of composition, and the direct approach to narrative, of Italian painting from before 1500. He frequently drew inspiration from great works of literature, such as, in this painting, Goethe’s Faust. Here Faust is seen courting Marguerite, watched by her neighbour Martha and Mephistopheles. The mocking expression on the face of Mephistopheles points to the tragic consequences that will result from this courtship.
