Manfred and Astarté 1879

Henri Fantin-Latour’s 1879 etching, “Manfred and Astarté,” depicts a scene from Lord Byron's dramatic poem "Manfred." Manfred, the tormented protagonist, is kneeling in a shadowy landscape, while the spectral figure of Astarté, his former love, appears before him. The dramatic chiaroscuro, characteristic of Fantin-Latour’s style, enhances the emotional weight of the scene, highlighting the despair and longing expressed by both figures. The artist's use of etching, a technique known for its subtle gradations of tone, creates an atmosphere of mystery and melancholic beauty. "Manfred and Astarté" is a powerful example of Fantin-Latour's ability to translate literary themes into evocative visual art.