Ernst Stern
Figurine (costume design) for the siren in “Faust II”
1911
(Production by Max Reinhardt at the Deutsche Theater Berlin, 1911)
Mixed media
Theater Studies Collection of the University of Cologne
In the second act of the tragedy, Faust is transported to the ancient world with its gods and heroes. Sirens also appear here. These are bird-like female mythical creatures who, in mythology, beguile sailors with their singing in order to lead them to their doom. The costume design is supplemented by a construction sketch that visualizes the stage realization of this mythical creature.