Prelude to Lohengrin

Summary

In this scene all of the movement and narrative seems to be centred around the winged female figure in the centre of the composition. She appears to be moving towards the foreground as she has her right leg slightly forwards as if she were walking and her wings out-stretched. Instead of looking where she is walking she has her head raised so that she can gaze at the shining urn which she holds high above her head. The urn seems to radiate light outwards highlighting the face of the female figure and the other figures gathered around her. It is clearly a ceremonial scene as the figures all seem celebratory as some in the far right and left are blowing trumpets, whilst others, like the man on the left, play string instruments. They all gather either side of the central woman creating a sense of procession which is emphasised by the two winged female figures who kneel just before her on either side also holding out urns. In contrast to the crowds in the middle ground is the single figure in the foreground to which the procession leads towards. The man kneels with his back to the viewer and is quite shadowed in comparison to the other figures lit up by the urn. He is armoured with a sword by his left hip and his hands clasped together as he gazes at the central woman. He seems very still in comparison to the dynamism of the procession and crowds of people in the distance.