Faust - 'Let Earth Be Severe, Heaven is Forgiving' 1910

Byam Shaw's 1910 illustration for 'Faust' depicts a scene of celestial judgment, where the titular character kneels in supplication before three angelic figures. Their ethereal forms and the dramatic use of light and shadow create a sense of otherworldly power and divine presence. The artwork draws on the classic German legend of Faust, a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. This image captures the moment of reckoning, where Faust's fate is determined by the forces of heaven. Shaw's style is characterized by its meticulous detail and vibrant colors, reflecting the aesthetic trends of the early 20th century.