Siegfried and the Rhine Maidens 

"Siegfried and the Rhine Maidens" is a charcoal drawing on paper created by Henri Fantin-Latour, a prominent French painter and printmaker. The artwork depicts the legendary hero Siegfried from the Nibelungenlied, a 13th-century epic poem, as he confronts the Rhine maidens, who are guarding the magical treasure known as the Ring of the Nibelungs. The composition is dominated by the figure of Siegfried, standing tall and imposing, while the Rhine maidens are depicted as smaller, ethereal figures. The use of charcoal creates a sense of drama and mystery, highlighting the tension between the characters. Fantin-Latour’s drawing exemplifies his talent for capturing the essence of a story through his masterful use of line and form. This artwork was likely created during Fantin-Latour’s later career, as he often used his work to explore themes of myth and literature. The drawing is a captivating example of his artistic style and serves as a testament to his deep understanding of human emotion.