From the profound abyss behind the lid of a great monument we stood retir-d Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a monumental, geological setting. Here we observe two figures positioned precariously on the edge of a vast chasm or precipice. The composition is dominated by the sheer scale of the rock face, which rises steeply into darkness, suggesting an immense depth and impenetrable void beyond.
One figure, seemingly female, stands with a posture that conveys both vulnerability and defiance. She is draped in flowing fabric, partially obscuring her form while simultaneously emphasizing its contours. Her gaze appears directed downwards, perhaps towards the abyss or at something unseen within it. The other figure, presumably male, clings to her arm, his body angled away from the viewer, suggesting a reluctance or fear of what lies ahead. His posture is one of support and restraint, as if attempting to prevent the woman from moving further toward the edge.
The artist employed a meticulous hatching technique to create a sense of texture and depth within the rock formations. The play of light and shadow accentuates the ruggedness of the terrain, contributing to an atmosphere of foreboding and mystery. Wisps of vapor or smoke rise from the chasm below, further obscuring its depths and adding to the overall feeling of unease.
The subtexts embedded within this drawing are complex and open to interpretation. The monumental scale suggests themes of power, grandeur, and perhaps even oppression. The figures’ placement on the precipice can be read as a metaphor for facing difficult choices or confronting existential anxieties. The womans ambiguous expression – a mixture of determination and apprehension – hints at an internal struggle or a journey into the unknown. The male figure’s hesitant support could symbolize responsibility, protection, or perhaps even constraint.
The drawing evokes a sense of isolation and introspection, inviting contemplation on themes of mortality, destiny, and the human condition in the face of overwhelming forces. It is a scene steeped in psychological tension, where the physical landscape mirrors the inner turmoil of the characters involved.