Nor mor but fled Murmuring and with him fled the shades of night Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a dramatic confrontation between two groups of figures set against a stark, atmospheric landscape. A solitary figure, clearly marked by his winged form and bearing a sword, dominates the foreground. He is positioned on a rocky precipice, facing upwards towards a group of celestial beings who stand atop a higher elevation. The artist has rendered him with an air of defiance; his posture suggests both movement and resistance, as if he is actively fleeing or challenging those above.
The composition utilizes strong diagonal lines to create visual tension. The slope of the hill directs the viewer’s eye upwards towards the group of winged figures, who are depicted in a more static and ordered arrangement. Their forms are elongated and idealized, conveying an impression of ethereal grace and power. They hold shields and spears, suggesting preparedness for conflict or perhaps a protective role.
The background is characterized by a swirling sky filled with clouds, which contributes to the overall sense of drama and uncertainty. The light source appears to emanate from behind the celestial figures, casting them in a luminous glow while leaving the foreground figure partially shrouded in shadow. This contrast reinforces the thematic opposition between darkness and light, earthly struggle and divine presence.
Subtexts within the drawing seem to explore themes of rebellion, exile, and the transition between realms. The solitary figure’s flight implies a rejection of authority or a desperate attempt at escape. His sword suggests an active role in this departure, hinting at conflict rather than passive retreat. The celestial figures, positioned above him, represent a higher power or order from which he has separated himself. Their watchful stance and weaponry imply both judgment and potential intervention.
The landscape itself functions as more than just a backdrop; it is integral to the narrative. The rocky terrain symbolizes hardship and challenge, while the swirling sky suggests an uncertain future. Overall, the drawing conveys a powerful sense of movement, conflict, and spiritual struggle, inviting contemplation on themes of freedom, responsibility, and the consequences of transgression.