La Mort de Matamore (Capitaine Fracasse) 1864

"La Mort de Matamore (Capitaine Fracasse)" is an 1864 etching by French artist Félix Bracquemond. The work depicts a scene from the novel "Capitaine Fracasse" by Théophile Gautier, in which the titular character is killed in a duel. The dramatic scene is set at night in a dark forest, lit by the lanterns of the departing duelers, and emphasizes the isolation and bleakness of the moment. The use of strong contrasts between light and dark and Bracquemond's precise etching style creates a haunting and memorable image. The print is a fine example of the Realist aesthetic and Bracquemond's mastery of the medium.