Faust and Mephistopheles

Image credit: Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

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Notes

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Charles Ricketts based this painting on a scene from the 1859 opera 'Faust' by Charles François Gounod.

'Faust' sits in his study surrounded by symbols of learning including books, a globe and an astronomical chart. He is weary of life and in despair he calls on the devil (Mephistopheles), who appears and offers him youth and fortune in return for his soul.

This cautionary tale has been popular ever since Christopher Marlowe's play on the theme, written in the 1590s. Like several of Ricketts' paintings this one was interpreted as a stage set.

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Coventry

Title

Faust and Mephistopheles

Date

c.1930

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 117 x W 90.5 cm

Accession number

VA.1962.0013

Acquisition method

gift from Mr and Mrs A. E. Nicholls, 1962

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Jordan Well, Coventry, West Midlands CV1 5QP England

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