France, 19th century / 1886
Tannhäuser
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Tannhäuser as painting (France, 19th century · 1886).
As he will eventually return to reality, Tannhäuser, the singer in the lower left, is painted in dark tones. In contrast, his vision into another realm is evoked by the soft muted hues of Venus and her court.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Henri Fantin-Latour (French, 1836–1904).
The museum's collection notes: Tannhäuser, the male figure seated on the left, does not seem fully engaged in this merry scene. Among pale bodies and pastel hues, he alone is cast in shadow. The Wagner opera that inspired the painting centers on a struggle between profane and sacred love, and the tension between them appears embodied in the brooding Tannhäuser.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtTannhäuserOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.