img162 Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a scene steeped in foreboding and implied threat within a dense woodland setting. A figure, seemingly male and aged, dominates the right side of the composition. His posture is hunched, his limbs elongated and skeletal, suggesting an otherworldly or supernatural nature. He appears to be grasping at a younger woman who recoils from him, her body angled away in a gesture of distress and resistance.
The woman’s attire – a flowing white garment – contrasts sharply with the dark, tangled environment and the figures somber appearance. Her face is obscured, further emphasizing her vulnerability and amplifying the sense of helplessness. The artist has rendered her posture as one of desperate evasion, conveying a palpable feeling of fear.
The surrounding forest contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. Towering trees, their branches laden with what appears to be moss or lichen, create an oppressive canopy that limits visibility and reinforces the sense of enclosure. A shadowy form, possibly another person or animal, is visible in the background on the left side, adding a layer of ambiguity and potential danger.
The use of light and shadow is particularly striking. The woman and the figure are illuminated from an unseen source, highlighting their forms against the darkness of the woods. This contrast intensifies the drama and draws attention to the central conflict. The meticulous cross-hatching technique employed throughout the drawing creates a textured surface that enhances the sense of depth and realism while simultaneously contributing to the overall feeling of unease.
Subtextually, this work seems to explore themes of pursuit, vulnerability, and the potential for unseen dangers lurking within seemingly natural environments. It evokes a narrative of predation or unwanted attention, leaving the viewer to ponder the nature of the relationship between the two figures and the circumstances that led to this encounter. The obscured face of the woman invites speculation about her identity and the broader implications of her plight.