Arab Watching Over the Body of a Friend 1866

Mariano Fortuny Marsal's "Arab Watching Over the Body of a Friend" (1866) is a dramatic etching, known for its masterful use of light and shadow. The composition focuses on a grieving Arab man, illuminated by a single source of light, as he cradles the body of his friend in a dark, shadowy room. The stark contrast between light and darkness creates a poignant atmosphere of grief and loss. The etching is a powerful example of Fortuny's ability to capture the human condition and evoke a strong emotional response in the viewer.