Chiron Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a dramatic scene unfolding on a precarious precipice. A central figure, possessing the torso and arms of a man joined with the body and legs of a horse, dominates the composition. He is depicted in mid-action, wielding a bow and arrow, his posture suggesting both urgency and pain. An arrow visibly pierces his neck, causing him to recoil slightly.
Around this central figure are several other individuals, also engaged in what appears to be a violent encounter. One man lies prone at the base of the cliff, seemingly incapacitated by an arrow wound. Another stands further back on the ledge, poised with a drawn bow, contributing to the sense of ongoing conflict. A fourth individual is visible higher up the rock face, partially obscured but also holding a weapon.
The artist has employed extensive cross-hatching to create a palpable texture and depth within the scene. The rough surface of the cliff face itself contributes to the feeling of instability and danger. Light and shadow are skillfully manipulated to emphasize the musculature of the figures and heighten the emotional intensity of their expressions. The limited tonal range, achieved through monochrome rendering, reinforces the gravity of the depicted event.
Beyond a literal depiction of conflict, the drawing seems to explore themes of mortality, suffering, and perhaps betrayal. The prominent wound on the central figure’s neck suggests vulnerability and loss. His posture conveys not only physical pain but also a sense of resignation or acceptance. The positioning of the other figures – some attacking, some fallen – implies a complex web of relationships and motivations that extend beyond the immediate visual narrative. The precariousness of their location atop the cliff face could be interpreted as symbolic of their fragile existence or impending doom.

The inclusion of text at the bottom provides additional context, referencing an event involving an arrow and highlighting the wound on the figure’s beard, further emphasizing the tragic nature of the scene.