The Flying Dutchman (Act III): The Rapture of Senta and the Dutchman 1886

Editor: This print, "The Flying Dutchman (Act III): The Rapture of Senta and the Dutchman" by Henri Fantin-Latour, feels incredibly dramatic. There’s such a strong sense of longing and the unknown. What symbols are at play here? Curator: Notice how Senta gazes upwards, towards the light, while the Dutchman gestures emphatically. Light often symbolizes knowledge, salvation, or the divine. What does the turbulent sea evoke for you? Editor: Chaos, maybe? Or a journey into the unknown? Curator: Precisely. The sea serves as a potent symbol of life's unpredictable nature and the tumultuous emotional states of the characters. And Senta's upward gaze? Editor: A hope for transcendence beyond earthly struggles? Curator: Indeed. Fantin-Latour masterfully weaves together these symbols. Seeing the opera through his eyes adds another layer of depth to its meaning. Editor: It's fascinating how the visual language reinforces the opera’s themes. Curator: Absolutely. Symbols create a resonating dialogue through time.