Henry Irving as Mephistopheles and George Alexander as Faust in <i>Faust</i> by W. G. Wills, adapted from Goethe
1885
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1885
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a dark stage scene with two figures lit by a single glowing fire. One man in a bright red cloak stands center stage, holding a staff, while another man in lighter clothes leans against him. In the background, a few small figures sit near a fire pit, and a horse waits off to the side. The red-cloaked figure looks like a devil—this was a theater scene from a famous play. The lighting focuses on the two main actors, making them stand out against the shadowy stage. Check out chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and dark for drama.
