Love Scene From Faust

Martin Barooshian

Martin Barooshian worked at Atelier 17 beginning in 1956 in Paris. It was a pivotal time for the artist, who not only began studying intaglio printmaking but the theories of Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, as well. Symbolism and mythology would become prevalent subjects in the artist's work. Here, he depicts the determining moment in the legend of Faust in which, newly indebted to the Devil for a chance to experience all of the world's pleasures, he implores Mephistopheles to help him seduce the virginal Gretchen. The tragic outcome - Gretchen's suicide - hastens Faust's enslavement in Hell and, depending on the interpretation, this is either his ultimate end or he is saved by Gretchen - the embodiment of the Blessed Virgin - and brought to Heaven.

Martin Barooshian chose to depict this scene with a sense of joy, as if the characters are dancing.