Book Illustrations: Gustave Dore

Gustave Dore (1832-1883) was a successful and brilliant engraver, draftsman, sculptor and painter. He is best known these days for his book illustrations. Masterpieces. Today I am amazed by the areas of light and dark that draw you in. Usually I am in awe of the line work.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza by Gustave Dore. Beautiful!  Then the Ancient Mariner, who killed the albatross from foolishness and brought bad luck to all in his path.

And then Puss in Boots, scammer extraordinaire, with the Marquis of Carabas.

I just learned in Wikipedia that Dore collaborated on a book about London, published in 1872. I guess no one ever liked reality:

The book, London: A Pilgrimage, with 180 engravings, was published in 1872. It enjoyed commercial success, but the work was disliked by many contemporary critics. Some critics were concerned with the fact that Dor� appeared to focus on poverty that existed in London. Dor� was accused by the Art Journal of "inventing rather than copying." 

So here is "Third Class Passengers at the Station."

And then, here is the Prince discovering Cinderella after all. He seems a bit dumb-looking, but then he was a guy who tried a shoe on every woman on the planet. Maybe he should have been a shoe salesman.

So with this far-reaching talent and range of images, I wish you all a good weekend.