This said they both betook them several ways Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The engraving presents a stark and unsettling scene dominated by shadow and implied movement. Here we observe two figures positioned within a desolate landscape, defined by rocky outcrops and a swirling, atmospheric background that suggests both depth and instability. The composition is structured around a central axis formed by the taller figure, who stands with an imposing presence.
This individual, draped in voluminous robes, possesses a skeletal face rendered with meticulous detail, immediately conveying a sense of death or otherworldly existence. One arm rests upon a large sword planted upright in the ground; this object serves as both a symbolic marker and a potential threat. The posture is one of authority, yet also suggests weariness or resignation.
To the left stands a second figure, smaller in scale and partially obscured by shadow. This person appears to be in motion, glancing back over their shoulder with an expression that hints at apprehension or reluctance. Their cloak clings to them, emphasizing a sense of vulnerability and perhaps even fear. The rocky terrain beneath their feet contributes to the overall feeling of precariousness and confinement.
The artist’s use of chiaroscuro – the dramatic contrast between light and dark – is crucial in establishing the mood. Light falls selectively on the central figures face and the sword, drawing attention to these elements while leaving much of the surrounding environment shrouded in darkness. This technique amplifies the sense of mystery and foreboding.
Subtextually, the engraving seems to explore themes of guidance, obligation, and perhaps even coercion. The taller figure might represent a guide or mentor leading the smaller one through a difficult or dangerous path. The sword could symbolize power, justice, or an inescapable fate. The backward glance of the second figure suggests internal conflict – a desire for escape versus a sense of duty or compulsion. The landscape itself functions as a metaphor for the journeys challenges and uncertainties. Overall, the work evokes a feeling of solemnity and impending doom, prompting reflection on themes of mortality, responsibility, and the burdens of choice.