This hideous chimera of fraud approached us Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a stark and unsettling landscape dominated by shadow and suggestion. A steep, rocky incline occupies much of the composition, its surface rendered with meticulous detail in cross-hatching that conveys both texture and a sense of precariousness. The ground appears unstable, littered with boulders and loose debris, hinting at an environment shaped by immense forces.
Two figures are positioned on this slope, their forms small against the scale of the surrounding terrain. They appear to be engaged in conversation or observation, their postures suggesting a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. Their dark robes contrast sharply with the lighter tones of the ground, drawing attention to them as focal points within the scene. The figure on the left is taller than the other, and both are turned towards something beyond the viewer’s perspective.
Below these figures sprawls an immense, serpentine creature. Its form is a grotesque amalgamation of animalistic features – scales, wings, and a sinuous neck that coils into itself. The rendering emphasizes its monstrous nature through intricate detailing of its skin and the sharp angles of its wing structure. It lies partially obscured by shadow, adding to its aura of menace and mystery. A plume of smoke or vapor rises from behind the figures and near the creature, further contributing to the oppressive atmosphere.
The composition’s use of light and dark is particularly significant. The scene is largely enveloped in darkness, with only scattered areas illuminated, creating a dramatic contrast that heightens the sense of foreboding. This limited illumination draws attention to specific elements – the figures, the creatures head, and the rocky terrain – while leaving much of the background shrouded in obscurity.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of deception and hidden danger. The creature’s monstrous form suggests a deceptive facade concealing something sinister. The figures’ cautious posture implies an awareness of this threat, but also a compulsion to confront it. The landscape itself becomes symbolic – representing a treacherous path or journey fraught with peril. The overall effect is one of unease and apprehension, inviting contemplation on the nature of evil and the challenges of navigating a world filled with hidden dangers.