We came out and here we could again see the stars Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The image, titled We Came Out and Here We Could Again See the Stars, is a dramatic engraving that depicts two figures standing on a rocky promontory overlooking a body of water under a starry sky. The scene is rendered in a style that emphasizes strong contrasts of light and shadow, common in illustrations from the 19th century.

What I see:

• Figures: Two human figures are positioned on the edge of a cliff. One figure, appearing to be a man, stands with his left arm raised, pointing towards the sky. He is draped in a flowing garment, and his posture suggests a moment of awe or discovery. Beside him, a second figure, perhaps cloaked or in a long robe, looks up similarly, their face obscured by shadow or the hood of their garment.
• Landscape: The foreground is dominated by rough, uneven terrain, with scattered rocks and crevices, indicating a rugged, possibly desolate, location. The cliff edge is sharply defined against the expanse below.
• Water and Sky: To the left and below the figures, a vast expanse of water is visible. A bright, luminous reflection, likely from the moon, shines on the waters surface, creating a shimmering pathway. In the distance, faint shapes suggest mountains or islands rising out of the mist or sea. The sky above is densely populated with stars, which are depicted as small, bright points of light. The overall atmosphere is nocturnal and somewhat mysterious.

Subtexts:

• Emergence and Revelation: The title strongly suggests a narrative of emergence from a darker, enclosed, or difficult place into a more open and illuminated one. The act of coming out implies overcoming an obstacle or leaving behind confinement. The ability to again see the stars signifies a return to a state of wonder, clarity, or connection with the cosmos, which was previously obscured.
• Hope and Guidance: The stars, often associated with navigation, destiny, and the divine, can symbolize hope, guidance, and a sense of the infinite. The raised arm of the figure pointing to the stars could represent a gesture of aspiration, reverence, or a newfound understanding. It might suggest finding ones way or being shown a path forward.
• Spiritual or Existential Journey: This scene can be interpreted as a metaphor for a spiritual or existential journey. The transition from darkness or confinement to the vastness of the night sky and the sight of stars could symbolize enlightenment, liberation from ignorance or suffering, or a moment of profound realization about ones place in the universe.
• Contrast of Struggle and Peace: The rough, dark terrain in the foreground and the figures solitary stance might imply a past or ongoing struggle. However, the clarity of the starry sky and the serene reflection on the water introduce a sense of peace, beauty, and transcendent calm. The image captures the moment after hardship, where the rewards of perseverance – renewed perspective and cosmic connection – are finally visible.
• The Sublime: The engraving evokes a sense of the sublime, a feeling of awe mixed with a touch of terror or overwhelming grandeur. The vastness of the night sky and the dramatic landscape create a sense of human insignificance in the face of natures power and beauty, leading to a profound emotional and spiritual experience.