Faust and Marguerite
After Heinrich Schwabe (German, 1847–1924)
Italian, late 19th century
Marble, 28 in. tall
This neoclassical marble sculpture portrays Faust and Marguerite, the ill-fated lovers from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust, a cornerstone of German Romantic literature. The composition is based on the original work of Heinrich Schwabe, a German painter and sculptor known for his literary and allegorical themes.
Carved in Italy for the Grand Tour market—a tradition in which wealthy European and American travelers collected fine art as souvenirs—this sculpture combines literary inspiration with the refined craftsmanship of Italian ateliers. The sensitive modeling of the figures, their expressive faces, and the flowing drapery reflect the 19th century’s deep fascination with idealized emotion and moral drama.
