The Styx Phlegyas Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a steep, rocky gorge. The composition is dominated by a tumultuous river or chasm that carves its way through the landscape. A boat, seemingly crafted from rough-hewn timber, occupies the central space of this waterway. It is heavily laden with figures – individuals who appear to be in various states of distress and resignation.
The artist has rendered these figures as densely packed, their bodies intertwined and overlapping, creating a sense of claustrophobia and shared suffering. Their postures suggest exhaustion, despair, and a lack of agency; many slump or are partially obscured by those around them. The rendering is detailed enough to discern individual features – expressions of anguish, downturned mouths, and vacant stares – contributing to the overall atmosphere of sorrow.
At the helm of the boat stands a figure wielding an oar. He appears more robust than the passengers, his posture suggesting a degree of control or perhaps grim determination. The angle of his body and the forceful extension of the oar imply movement through the turbulent waters.
The gorge itself is rendered with considerable detail; the rock face is etched with deep fissures and crevices, emphasizing its imposing scale and the perilous nature of the journey. Shadows play across the surface, adding depth and a sense of foreboding. The darkness within the gorge contrasts sharply with the lighter areas highlighting the boat and figures, drawing attention to their plight.
Subtly, the work conveys themes of mortality, transition, and the inevitability of fate. The crowded boat suggests a collective journey towards an unknown destination – a symbolic representation of death or the afterlife. The impassive figure at the helm might be interpreted as a ferryman, guiding souls across a boundary. The overall impression is one of solemnity and profound melancholy, evoking a sense of inescapable destiny.