He sprang unpon the old woman and ate her up Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a stark and unsettling scene, dominated by contrasting figures engaged in a predatory act. Here we see an elderly woman recumbent within a bed, her face contorted in a grimace of terror or pain. The sheets are rumpled, suggesting a sudden disturbance; the overall impression is one of vulnerability and helplessness. Looming over her is a large, canine creature – its posture aggressive, its features distinctly animalistic yet possessing an unsettling intelligence.
The artist’s use of black and white intensifies the drama, eliminating any softening effect color might provide. The meticulous cross-hatching creates texture and depth, particularly in the rendering of fur on the beast and the folds of the womans clothing. This technique lends a sense of realism to an inherently fantastical scenario.
The composition is carefully structured. The verticality of the creature’s stance contrasts sharply with the horizontal repose of the woman, emphasizing the power dynamic at play. The placement of the bed against what appears to be a draped curtain creates a feeling of confinement and isolation for the victim.
Subtexts within this drawing are numerous. On one level, it speaks to primal fears – the fear of vulnerability, the terror of being consumed by something monstrous. The depiction of an elderly woman suggests anxieties surrounding aging, frailty, and dependence. The creature itself can be interpreted as a symbol of unchecked appetite or predatory forces that threaten innocence and security.
Beyond this literal reading, there is a potential commentary on societal power structures. The beast’s dominance over the woman might represent the exploitation of the vulnerable by those in positions of strength – a theme frequently explored in folklore and fairy tales. The drawings unsettling nature lies not only in its depiction of violence but also in its implication that such acts can occur within seemingly safe, domestic spaces.

The artist has skillfully employed visual language to create a disturbing narrative, one that resonates with deep-seated anxieties about predation, vulnerability, and the darker aspects of human experience.