Their fingernails tear at the wounds like knifes open oysters Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a scene of profound suffering and despair, rendered in meticulous detail through cross-hatching and tonal variation. A landscape dominates the composition; it is defined by steep, rocky terrain that rises sharply into a clouded sky. The ground itself appears uneven, composed of what seems to be hay or straw, creating a textured surface upon which numerous figures are strewn.
The central focus lies on two men positioned in the foreground. One figure, draped in flowing robes and crowned with foliage, stands slightly ahead of the other. His posture suggests a mixture of sorrow and perhaps reluctant leadership; he appears to be guiding or observing the scene unfolding around him. The second man, dressed more simply, walks alongside him, his gaze directed towards the suffering figures.
Scattered across the landscape are numerous human forms, depicted in various states of agony. Many lie prostrate on the ground, their bodies contorted in postures of pain and exhaustion. Others claw at themselves or at the earth, exhibiting a desperate, almost animalistic struggle. The artist has emphasized the physicality of their suffering; we see strained muscles, emaciated limbs, and expressions of intense distress etched onto their faces. A palpable sense of claustrophobia is created by the density of figures within the confined space.
The overall effect is one of overwhelming misery and a loss of dignity. The landscape itself seems to mirror the internal state of those trapped within it – harsh, unforgiving, and devoid of hope. The crowned figure’s presence introduces an element of ambiguity; he may represent a guide, a witness, or even a participant in this shared torment. The drawing evokes themes of punishment, regret, and the enduring nature of human suffering. It suggests a narrative of descent, perhaps into a metaphorical underworld where individuals are subjected to relentless physical and psychological anguish. The detail afforded to each figure underscores their individual pain while simultaneously emphasizing their collective fate within this desolate environment.