And now expecting Each hour their great adventurer from the search Of foreign worlds Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The engraving presents a dramatic and unsettling scene dominated by a precipitous landscape. A steep, rocky incline dominates the composition, its surface populated with numerous figures engaged in what appears to be a vigil or observation. These individuals are positioned along the crest of the slope, their postures suggesting anticipation and perhaps apprehension. They are armed with spears or similar implements, lending an air of military readiness to the gathering.
Below this elevated group, a chaotic throng of winged creatures occupies the lower portion of the image. Their forms are distorted and grotesque, exhibiting features suggestive of demonic entities. These beings seem to writhe and swirl in a turbulent atmosphere, their presence contributing significantly to the overall sense of unease and dread. A hazy luminescence emanates from the right side of the scene, obscuring details but implying an otherworldly source of light or energy.
The artist employs strong contrasts between light and shadow to heighten the dramatic effect. The figures on the ridge are partially illuminated, allowing for a degree of individual recognition, while those below remain largely shrouded in darkness, emphasizing their mysterious and potentially malevolent nature. The meticulous rendering of textures – the rough rock face, the feathered wings, the fabric of clothing – adds depth and realism to the depiction.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of expectation, surveillance, and impending doom. The armed figures on high suggest a watchful presence, guarding against an unknown threat or awaiting the arrival of something significant. Their collective gaze is directed towards the lower realm, implying a hierarchical relationship between the observer and the observed. The swirling mass of demonic beings below could represent chaos, temptation, or the forces of evil poised to disrupt order. The overall impression is one of profound anxiety and foreboding, hinting at a narrative fraught with peril and uncertainty.