Le rouge et le noir dans le prince de Hombourg 1965

"Le rouge et le noir dans le prince de Hombourg" (1965) by Gerard Fromanger depicts a scene from Heinrich von Kleist's play "Prince Friedrich von Homburg" where the protagonist is condemned to death but later pardoned. The painting showcases the artist's bold use of color and flat planes, characteristic of his figuration. The simple black background emphasizes the figures, whose stark, simplified forms and contrasting red and black attire create a dramatic visual tension. The repetition of the figures further amplifies this sense of drama, referencing the play's themes of fate and justice. This work exemplifies Fromanger's penchant for exploring historical themes through a contemporary lens, creating a unique visual dialogue between the past and the present.