Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by Fortunino Matania. It dates from 31 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print is an illustration for the final scene of Götterdämmerung, the last part of Wagner's The Nibelungen Ring.
About this work
Overview
This print is an illustration for the final scene of Götterdämmerung, the last part of Wagner's The Nibelungen Ring. It was published in The Sphere as part of a centenary celebration of Wagner's birth.
Subject & Meaning
The subject depicts the climactic conclusion of Götterdämmerung, symbolizing the downfall of the gods in Wagner's epic opera. The illustration's context within a centenary tribute suggests its role in honoring Wagner's legacy.
Technique & Style
The print's technique and style are not specified in the provided information, though its publication in The Sphere implies a level of accessibility and wide appeal characteristic of periodical illustrations.
History & Provenance
Published in The Sphere to mark the 100th anniversary of Richard Wagner's birth, the print is accompanied by additional illustrations from the Ring Cycle and portraits of prominent Berlin society women on its reverse.
Context
Created for a centenary celebration, the print reflects late 19th or early 20th-century interest in Wagner's operas. Its inclusion in The Sphere indicates a broader audience engagement with high art and culture.
Legacy
The print's legacy is tied to its role in popularizing Wagner's work during the composer's centenary. Its impact beyond this context is not detailed in the provided information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Chevalier Fortunino Matania was an Italian artist noted for his realistic portrayal of World War I trench warfare and of a wide range of historical subjects.
