Gustave Dore

Engravings and Paintings

Gustave Doré was a French artist, engraver, illustrator and sculptor, best known for his illustrations of epic literature, such as those by Dante, Cervantes, Hugo, and Milton, as well as contemporary texts, such as those by Balzac. Doré worked primarily with wood engraving. He rarely completed any works with colors, leading to the speculation that he was color blind. His vivid work is characterized by images of the grotesque and bizarre. Employing over 40 block cutters, he eventually produced more than 90 illustrated books. Dramatic, chiaroscuro illustrations of the Bible and literary giants made Dore's name. He had a particular gift for illustrating nature and fairy tales. His work influenced that of Van Gogh and later, the Symbolists. Doré was mainly celebrated for his paintings in his day. His paintings remain world renowned, but his woodcuts and engravings are where he really excelled as an artist with an individual vision.