Conrad Saving Gulnare from the Fire 1815 - 1825

Horace Vernet created this print, "Conrad Saving Gulnare from the Fire" using etching and engraving. The scene, rendered in stark monochrome, presents a dramatic rescue. Vernet uses a dynamic composition with strong diagonals to convey a sense of urgency. The figures are positioned off-center, heightening the tension as Conrad, a muscular figure, carries Gulnare through a burning building. The use of light and shadow is striking. Vernet employs dense cross-hatching to depict the smoke and fire, creating a backdrop that contrasts sharply with the relatively lighter tones of the figures. The texture in this print adds depth and realism to the scene. This work embodies a Romantic sensibility, emphasizing emotion, drama, and the power of the individual. Vernet masterfully uses the constraints of the medium to explore themes of heroism, danger, and salvation. The work leaves us to consider the broader cultural narratives of its time.