Nine days they fell Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a chaotic scene of descent and upheaval. A multitude of figures, seemingly humanoid but distorted in form and posture, are depicted tumbling downwards amidst a swirling vortex of what appears to be smoke or fire. The composition is dominated by a sense of overwhelming motion; the bodies are contorted in various stages of fall, some reaching out desperately, others appearing resigned to their fate.
The artist has employed a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, utilizing stark contrasts between light and shadow to heighten the emotional intensity. A central figure, positioned slightly higher than the rest, raises his arms towards the sky, brandishing what appears to be a weapon or standard. This individual seems to embody defiance or leadership amidst the general collapse.
The background is rendered as an indistinct mass of swirling forms, suggesting either a fiery abyss or a tumultuous storm. The lack of clear spatial definition contributes to the feeling of disorientation and entrapment. The figures are densely packed, creating a sense of claustrophobia and shared suffering. Their expressions, though difficult to discern precisely due to the style of rendering, convey anguish, fear, and perhaps even rage.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of rebellion, downfall, and divine retribution. The falling figures could be interpreted as representing fallen angels or a defeated army, their descent symbolizing a loss of power and status. The central figure’s gesture suggests an attempt at resistance, but ultimately futile against the forces at play. The overall impression is one of catastrophic failure and irreversible consequence. The rendering style, with its emphasis on dramatic lighting and dynamic composition, evokes a sense of tragedy and profound loss.