The two others looked at him shouting -Agnel how terribly your appearance is changing- Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a claustrophobic and oppressive environment. A central figure, presumably Agnel, is positioned in profile, his body angled slightly away from two other individuals who appear to be addressing him with evident distress. Their gestures – arms raised, mouths open – suggest vehement concern or accusation. The composition immediately establishes a sense of confrontation and unease.
The setting itself contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. The figures are situated on what appears to be a precipitous slope, bordered by towering rock formations that loom over them. These geological features create a visual barrier, emphasizing Agnel’s isolation and vulnerability. A dense throng of shadowy forms occupies the upper reaches of the space; their indistinctness suggests a multitude, perhaps representing an unseen force or collective judgment.
A recurring motif is the presence of serpentine forms. One coils around the figure at the base of the slope, seemingly immobilizing him. Others writhe and intertwine amongst the crowd above, further reinforcing a sense of entrapment and corruption. The snakes are not merely decorative elements; they function as symbolic representations of deceit, temptation, or perhaps even a gradual physical transformation.
Agnel’s own appearance is clearly the source of the others distress. His body appears altered, marked by an unsettling distortion that sets him apart from his companions. This visual change implies a process of decay or metamorphosis, hinting at a deeper narrative concerning identity and transgression. The artist has rendered this alteration with meticulous detail, emphasizing its disturbing nature.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette amplifies the dramatic intensity. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a heightened sense of drama and foreboding. The intricate cross-hatching technique employed throughout the work adds texture and depth, contributing to the overall feeling of claustrophobia and impending doom. The scene suggests a narrative of decline, accusation, and an inescapable fate.