As Tydee angrily gnawed Menelippes temples he was also biting into his skull and ate the brain Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The engraving presents a stark scene of torment and despair within a cavernous setting. The composition is dominated by a body submerged in murky water, engaged in a disturbing act of cannibalism. This figure, presumably Menelippes, appears to be violently consuming the brain of another individual, his face pressed against the skull while surrounded by a swarm of grotesque creatures.
Two observers stand on the bank, their expressions conveying a mixture of horror and detached contemplation. Their posture suggests they are witnesses rather than participants in this gruesome spectacle. The man on the left is draped in an elaborate robe, hinting at a position of authority or perhaps spiritual guidance. The figure beside him, slightly smaller in stature, appears to be intently observing the scene unfolding before them.
The environment itself contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. Jagged rock formations enclose the space, creating a sense of confinement and inescapable doom. The water is not depicted as tranquil; rather, it seems stagnant and teeming with life – or rather, unlife – in the form of the surrounding creatures. These beings are rendered with meticulous detail, their faces contorted into expressions of malice and hunger.
The subtexts within this image are layered and complex. The act of cannibalism itself symbolizes a profound degradation, a descent into primal savagery that strips away any semblance of humanity. It can be interpreted as a representation of the ultimate betrayal – consuming one’s own kind in an environment devoid of compassion or redemption.
The presence of the observers introduces another layer of meaning. Their distance from the central action suggests a commentary on the nature of witnessing suffering and the potential for detachment even in the face of extreme horror. They may represent those who are complicit through inaction, or perhaps those who believe themselves to be above such depravity.
The overall effect is one of profound unease and moral condemnation. The artist has created a visual allegory that explores themes of sin, punishment, and the fragility of human nature when confronted with its darkest impulses.