She was astonished to see how her grandmother looked Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a stark and unsettling domestic scene rendered in meticulous detail through cross-hatching and tonal gradation. Here we see a young girl confronting what appears to be her grandmother, though transformed into a canine form. Both figures are nestled within the confines of a large bed, its sheets dramatically draped and folded, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy disrupted by the bizarre encounter.
The girl’s posture is one of startled apprehension. Her eyes are wide, fixed on the creature before her, and her mouth slightly open in an expression that suggests both shock and nascent fear. The artist has carefully depicted the delicate curve of her cheek and the slight tremor evident in her hand as she clutches the bedclothes. This gesture implies a desire for protection or retreat from the unsettling reality unfolding.
The canine figure dominates the composition through its size and proximity to the viewer. It is rendered with an almost photographic realism, emphasizing the texture of its fur and the intensity of its gaze. The headwear – a bonnet adorned with ribbons – is particularly striking; it attempts to domesticate or disguise the animal’s true nature but ultimately underscores the absurdity of the situation. The bonnets presence suggests a deliberate attempt at maintaining appearances, perhaps hinting at a family secret or a concealed truth.
The drawing’s subtexts revolve around themes of familial relationships, identity, and the unsettling intrusion of the uncanny into everyday life. The transformation of the grandmother into an animal form can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of aging, decay, or hidden aspects of personality that are normally suppressed. It might also suggest a disruption of generational roles and expectations within the family structure.
The monochromatic palette contributes to the drawing’s unsettling atmosphere, eliminating any potential for visual comfort or reassurance. The stark contrast between light and shadow amplifies the emotional intensity of the scene, emphasizing the girls vulnerability and the strangeness of her encounter. Ultimately, the work evokes a sense of psychological unease, prompting reflection on the fragility of identity and the hidden complexities within familial bonds.