"Go your way therefore! Bring to me in your hand a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown; and then, if she will, Lúthien may set her hand in yours. Then you shall have my jewel; and though the fate of Arda lie within the Silmarils, yet you shall hold me generous.' Thus he wrought the doom of Doriath, and was ensnared within the curse of Mandos. And those that heard these words perceived that Thingol would save his oath, and yet send Beren to his death; for they know that not all the power of the Noldor, before the Siege was broken, had availed even to see from afar the shining Silmarils of Feanor. For they were set in the Iron Crown, and treasured in Angband above all wealth; and Balrogs were about them, and countless swords, and strong bars, and unassailable walls, and the dark majesty of Morgoth. "Of Beren and Lúthien", The Silmarillion - JRR Tolkien. This image captures that pivotal moment when Thingol pronounces the task that Beren must complete before he may have the hand of Lúthien. Thingol, unknowingly, is pronouncing his own doom and that of his kingdom, as the desire to possess the Silmarils would eventually consume him. The whole scene was deliberately composed to have 2 visual planes, the light and magical realm of Thingol - king of the Elves, and the dark and brooding mortal plane with the two lovers - Beren and Lúthien. The juxtaposition of the two worlds and the framing of the figure of Thingol pronouncing the "Doom of Doriath" was vital to the image.