Fotoreproductie van een schilderij, voorstellende Wodan en Loge laten Alberich zijn rijkdom opgeven before 1876

Victor Angerer made this photogravure of a painting, showing Wotan and Loge relieving Alberich of his wealth. The image's dramatic composition, set within a cavern, creates a stark contrast between light and shadow that intensifies the scene. Angerer uses tonal gradations to guide the eye through the cave, which gives a sense of depth and emphasizes the figures' interaction. The composition, with Alberich cornered and overpowered by Wotan and Loge, reflects the narrative's power dynamics. The figures are positioned in such a way that draws attention to their relationship within the story's moral and ethical questions about power and possession. This interplay not only illustrates the immediate confrontation but also hints at the broader philosophical themes that resonate with Wagner's exploration of authority. By examining the formal structure of Angerer's photogravure, we understand how it uses form and technique to enhance the meaning and impact of Wagner's narrative.