Loss of Faith 1894

toned paper

ink painting

incomplete sketchy

possibly oil pastel

fluid art

underpainting

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

pencil art

watercolor

"Loss of Faith" is a 1894 charcoal drawing by Dutch symbolist artist Jan Toorop. The artwork, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, depicts a complex scene filled with fragmented figures and symbolism, reflecting the artist's exploration of the loss of religious faith in modern society. The central figure, a woman draped in a flowing gown, appears to be an angel, while other figures, including a swan and a bird, add to the allegorical nature of the composition. The drawing is rendered in shades of gray, highlighting the somber tone of the piece.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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In this chaotic scene, mankind has lost its faith and drowns in the sea of life. The heads of the Dutch writers Willem Kloos and Lodewijk van Deyssel are still just above the water. Sticking out of the ground at centre are bayonets, symbols of the sovereign power intent on restoring order through violence. All hope is not lost, however, for Psyche, the Soul, sails in on two swans at the left.