'Faust dans son cabinet'

Photograph of a work by Ary Scheffer, the prime version of which was created in 1831 and is now in the collection of the Louvre, Paris (RF 3829). Inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust, the image depicts the protagonist sitting at his desk and facing a quarter to the right. He appears lost in a pensive reverie with his head resting on his left hand. His right hand is placed on his waist. Behind him Mephistopheles, stands with his back to the viewer, turning his head towards Faust. His right hand strokes his chin indicating his devious machinations.

Scheffer (and his studio) continued throughout his life to produce new works of old compositions on demand. His paintings were also widely reproduced as etchings.