The artwork titled “As he moves slowly away, Wotan turns and looks sorrowfully back at Brünnhilde,” created by Arthur Rackham, embodies the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and belongs to the genre of illustration. This piece is part of Rackham’s renowned series, “The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie.”
In the artwork, we see a somber scene depicted with a strong use of dark silhouettes and flowing lines. The focal point is Wotan, a figure silhouetted against a swirling, ethereal background, suggestive of fire or mist. Wotan, characterized by his distinctive attire – presumably a cloak, helmet, and spear – stands on the left side, beneath a gnarled tree. He appears to be in motion, with his right arm raised in a gesture of farewell or sorrow, as he turns back to gaze towards Brünnhilde, who is not visible in the composition. The backdrop is infused with subdued, earthy hues, and the curling forms around Wotan add a sense of mystical drama to the scene. The overall effect is melancholic, conveying a deep emotional resonance that aligns with the themes of mythology and legend inherent in Rackham’s work.