Alphonse Marie de Neuville (French, 1835 – 1885) original oil painting on wood panel titled "Valentine Challenges Faust". Depicting a scene from the classic German legend "Faust" originally written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In this particular scene Valentine is outraged by the knowledge that his sister has compromised her honor by taking on a secret lover (Faust). Outside of Gretchen's house, he challenges Faust to a duel, but with Mephistopheles’ magical aid Faust mortally wounds Valentine. Before he dies, Valentine cursed his sister, wished he could kill her himself and tells her that in her dishonor she gave his heart the fatal blow. This masterpiece depicts the dual as it begins to unfold. Measures 27 1/2" Tall x 37" Wide + 6" Frame. French painter, was born, the son of wealthy parents, at Saint-Omer, France. In spite of the opposition of his family, he entered the naval school at Lorient and it was there that his artistic instincts first declared themselves. He showed peculiar insight into military life. After his battle pictures of 1870 his fame spread rapidly. He was one of the three famous military painters France had produced. De Neuville died in Paris on the 18th of May, 1885. At the sale of his works the state purchased for the Luxemburg Gallery the "Bourget" and the "Attack on a Barricaded House". Local Pick Up or Third Party Shipping Required.