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This is from Act 2 of Wagner's opera "Siegfried." Fafner, the giant, after killing his brother Fasolt, has used the "Tarnhelm" to turn himself into a dragon. He guards the "Ring" and the rest of the gold in his cave. Wagner sets the scene in a lush forest, but I have chosen volcanic areas from Lassen National Park. It makes for a bizzare looking landscape, totally despoiled by the dragon. The forest is in the background along with a mountain range. One of the mountains is the fiery Valkyrie Rock, where Brunnhilde sleeps, waiting for Siegfried the Fearless. Siegfried is led to the cave, where he is destined to slay the dragon and possess "The Ring" and "The Tarnhelm." Here, the dragon rises to hsi full height, as Siegfried deftly evades the tail lashing out at him, slips between flailing claws, and under the fire flashing from the mouth and nostrils, to plunge his sword deep into the dragon's heart. The "Curse of the Ring" has felled Fafner and now it passes to Siegfried. |
Oil on Canvas |
36"x 24" |
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