Siegfried and the Rhine Maidens 1891

"Siegfried and the Rhine Maidens" (1891) by Albert Pinkham Ryder, now housed in the National Gallery of Art, is an evocative depiction of a scene from the Norse saga. The painting captures the moment Siegfried, a legendary hero, encounters the Rhine Maidens, mythical beings who guard a powerful treasure. The work is characterized by Ryder's distinctive use of dark, rich colors and a heavy impasto, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that underscores the mystical nature of the subject matter. Despite its relatively small size, the painting possesses a profound sense of drama, emphasizing the power and danger inherent in the encounter between Siegfried and the Rhine Maidens.