Ah. How he made them lift their legs on the first strike of his whip Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a chaotic scene of struggle and subjugation, rendered in stark monochrome. A central figure, wielding a whip, dominates the composition. He stands elevated on a rocky precipice, his posture conveying authority and control as he directs his action towards a mass of figures below. The whip itself is depicted with dynamic energy, its arc suggesting immediate and forceful impact.
Below him, a throng of human-like beings are caught in various states of distress and resistance. They appear to be ascending a steep incline formed by jagged rocks, their bodies contorted in postures of exertion, pain, or desperation. Some attempt to claw their way upwards, while others fall back into the chaotic mass. The artist has meticulously detailed musculature on many figures, emphasizing physical strength and vulnerability simultaneously.
The composition is dense and claustrophobic; there’s a sense of overwhelming pressure as bodies press against one another. A palpable tension permeates the scene, conveyed through the dynamic poses and expressions of anguish. The rocky terrain contributes to this feeling of entrapment, suggesting an inescapable environment.
Subtleties within the drawing hint at deeper meanings. The figures nudity underscores their vulnerability and perhaps a loss of dignity. Their varied expressions – ranging from defiance to despair – suggest a spectrum of responses to oppression. The presence of what appear to be demonic or monstrous features on some individuals introduces an element of supernatural horror, potentially symbolizing the dehumanizing effects of power and control.
The title, Ah. How he made them lift their legs on the first strike of his whip, provides crucial context. It highlights the immediate and brutal nature of the central figures dominance. The exclamation “Ah” suggests a visceral reaction to the suddenness and force of the action, emphasizing the power imbalance at play. This combination of visual depiction and textual cue points towards themes of tyranny, subjugation, and the psychological impact of violence.