Gustave Dore

Gustave Doré was a French painter, 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. 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. He rarely completed any works with colors, leading to the speculation that he was color blind, and his negative portrayal of subject matter made his works difficult to display. His work influenced that of Van Gogh and later, the Symbolists. Doré was mainly celebrated for his paintings in his day, but his woodcuts and engravings are where he really out-shined as an artist with a bright vision.