Me miserable which way shall I fly Infinite wrath and infinite despair Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a figure in profound distress, positioned on a precipitous rock formation. The individual is muscular and appears male, though his features are contorted by anguish. He clutches his face with one hand while the other rests upon his knee, adopting a posture of utter dejection. Large, bat-like wings sprout from his back, adding to the sense of a fallen or exiled being.
The artist has employed a dramatic chiaroscuro effect; strong contrasts between light and shadow emphasize the figure’s isolation and torment. The rocky terrain is rendered with meticulous detail, its jagged edges contributing to the overall feeling of instability and confinement. A palpable sense of depth is created by the receding planes of rock and the atmospheric perspective of the sky behind.
The composition directs attention towards the central figures emotional state. His body language communicates a deep internal struggle; he seems trapped not only by his physical surroundings but also by an overwhelming psychological burden. The wings, while suggesting potential for flight or escape, appear heavy and cumbersome, reinforcing the impression of entrapment.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of rebellion, punishment, and despair. The figure’s posture suggests a rejection of authority or a transgression that has resulted in his current state. There is an implication of immense power now diminished, a grandeur reduced to suffering. The vastness of the landscape surrounding him highlights the scale of his isolation and the seemingly insurmountable nature of his predicament.
The artists use of line work – dense hatching and cross-hatching – creates texture and volume while also contributing to the overall mood of darkness and melancholy. This technique enhances the sense of weight and oppression, further emphasizing the figure’s internal turmoil.