Valkyrie (Costume Study for Bayreuth) c. 1894 - 1896

Hans Thoma created this costume study of a Valkyrie for Bayreuth using graphite on paper. This drawing engages with a powerful image, a Norse mythological figure, that took on new life and meaning in 19th century Germany. Costume design offered artists like Thoma an important outlet to help forge a sense of national identity, through the popular operas of Richard Wagner staged at Bayreuth. These productions drew heavily on Germanic myths and legends. The Valkyrie, a female figure who chooses who lives and dies in battle, resonated with the era’s fascination with heroism, destiny, and the power of the German past. Yet, the Valkyrie also subtly critiques traditional gender roles. Here is a woman who defies convention, a symbol of strength and autonomy. By examining the artistic, literary, and musical contexts surrounding this drawing, we can begin to understand the complex ways in which images are used to shape our understanding of history, culture, and identity.