img085 Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a scene of profound distress and chaotic movement under a torrential downpour. A multitude of figures, rendered in stark monochrome, are caught within a swirling vortex of rain and implied wind. Their postures suggest agony, exhaustion, and a desperate struggle against an overwhelming force. Many appear to be falling or being swept along, their bodies contorted in expressions of pain and fear.
The composition is dominated by the mass of figures in the foreground, which creates a sense of claustrophobia and immediate involvement for the viewer. The artist has employed dense hatching and cross-hatching techniques to build up volume and texture, particularly evident in the depiction of the rain itself – a relentless cascade that obscures details and contributes to the overall atmosphere of despair.
A rocky outcrop rises on the right side of the scene, providing a visual anchor amidst the turmoil. A solitary figure stands near this rock face, cloaked and seemingly observing the chaos unfolding before them. This individual’s posture is upright and resolute, contrasting sharply with the prostrate forms in the foreground; they appear detached from the suffering, perhaps acting as a witness or even an orchestrator of events.
The subtexts within the drawing are complex. The relentless rain can be interpreted as symbolic of divine judgment, punishment, or overwhelming fate. The multitude of figures suggests a collective experience of suffering, hinting at themes of societal downfall or widespread calamity. The cloaked figure introduces an element of mystery and potential moral ambiguity – is this observer a benevolent protector, a detached spectator, or something more sinister?
The drawing’s power lies in its ability to evoke a visceral response through the depiction of physical distress and the suggestion of larger, unseen forces at play. It speaks to themes of human vulnerability, the inevitability of suffering, and the potential for both individual resilience and collective despair.