NEXT 1. ALBERICH AND THE RHINEMAIDENS oil on canvas 122cm x 183cm In Act I of Das Rheingold, Alberich, a Nibelung from the underworld, attempts to attract the Rhinemaidens, but is mocked and rejected. In revenge he steals their 'toy', the Rhinegold, upper left in painting. The Rhinemaidens put a curse upon the stolen gold, that who possesses it will have no love.