History of Art: Gustave Dore

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(Neoclassicism, Romanticism and Art Styles in 19th century - Art Map)

Gustave Dore

born Jan. 6, 1832, Strasbourg, Fr.
died Jan. 23, 1883, Paris

French printmaker, one of the most prolific and successful book illustrators of the late 19th century, whose exuberant and bizarre fantasy created vast dreamlike scenes widely emulated by Romantic academicians.

In 1847 he went to Paris and from 1848 to 1851 produced weekly lithographic caricatures for the Journal pour Rire and several albums of lithographs (1847–54). His later fame rested on his wood-engraved book illustrations. Employing more than 40 woodcutters, he produced over 90 illustrated books. Among his finest were an edition of the Oeuvres de Rabelais (1854), Les Contes drolatiques of Balzac (1855), thelarge folio Bible (1866), and the Inferno of Dante (1861). He also painted many large compositions of a religious or historical character and had some success as a sculptor; his work in those media, however, lacks the spontaneous vivacity of his illustrations.

The History of the Crusades

Attacked by stones, arrows, and flames, Godfrey and his soldiers prevail over the Saracens and enter Jerusalem.

The Crusaders worship the true cross after it is found in Jerusalem and placed in the church of the Resurrection.

Godfrey requests tributes from the emirs of Cæsarea, Ptolemais, and Ascalon to acknowledge their submission.

Gerard of Avesnes, a Christian knight, tied to a high mast
against the enemy wall and certain to die, begs Godfrey to save his life.

Baldwin storms the city of Cæsarea, ruthlessy killing all of the people.

In an impulsive attack on the Saracens, 200 Christian knights,
led by Baldwin, attack 20,000 Saracens and are surrounded and vanquished.

Hiding their sorrow, the Christians support Baldwin when he falls deathly ill in the desert between Egypt and Palestine.

The Turkish emir, Ilghazy, having massacred many prisoners, sends Gauthier,
the chancellor, to warn the Christians of the dangers they will face in Palestine.

Mesmerized by St Bernard’s eloquent speech, Louis VII falls at his feet and demands the cross.

Fatigued and withered from lack of food, the Christian army of Conrad III of Germany
is decimated by the hardy infidels at Damascus.

Lurking on the precipice, the Turks ambush the Christians.

King Louis VII, one of the only surviving nobles on the battlefield, takes refuge against a rock.

A formidable leader, Saladin, sultan of Egypt, is respected by his enemies and idolized by his followers.

Jacques de Maillé, a knight of the Temple, struggles tenaciously against the Saracens,
refusing to succumb to his wounds.

Frederick I of Germany, drowned in the river, is preserved for burial in Jerusalem.

Desperately in need of reinforcements, the Christians rejoice at the sight of the ship bearing the cross.

The Crusaders’ fury is sparked anew when Richard the Lion-Heart joins their forces,
uniting them to defeat the Muslims.

Richard the Lion-Heart savagely massacres all the Muslim prisoners when
Saladin does not pay his ransom promptly.

The infidels advance upon the Crusaders, surrounding them on all sides.

On the battlefield, the armies of Richard and Saladin are transformed into a crowded mob of soldiers.

Richard and his knights pursue the Saracens into the coast of Jaffa.

Dandolo, the astute 90-year-old doge of Venice, promises to supply ships and provisions
for a low fee in exchange for half of all eastern conquests.

Mourzoufle poisons and strangles young Alexius, succeeding him as emperor.

Conferring with the doge on horseback, Greek nationalist Mourzoufle agrees
to give monetary support to the Crusaders, but refuses to comply with the Roman church.

The Crusaders invade Constantinople, killing everyone they encounter,
setting fire to the city and frightening the Greeks into retreating.

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