So my look went to a distance where the infallible justice of the minister of Go Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a stark visual dichotomy between elevated authority and suffering humanity. Here we observe two figures positioned on a raised plateau, overlooking a vast chasm filled with writhing individuals. The composition is dominated by the sheer scale of the precipice, which descends into an abyss rendered in dense, textured shading that obscures any discernible bottom. This creates a sense of infinite depth and inescapable despair.
The two figures atop the plateau are sharply contrasted against the darkness below. One appears to be a man of considerable stature, clad in elaborate robes and accompanied by another figure who seems to act as an attendant or advisor. The posture of the robed individual suggests authority and perhaps aloofness; he gazes out over the scene with what could be interpreted as either contemplation or indifference. The second figure stands slightly behind him, seemingly deferential. Their placement on the elevated plane reinforces their position of power and distance from those below.
Below them, a multitude of figures are depicted in various states of distress. They appear to be struggling, reaching out, and contorted into positions that convey pain and desperation. The artist has rendered these individuals with a degree of anonymity; they lack distinct features, emphasizing their collective suffering rather than individual identities. Their bodies are intertwined, creating a chaotic mass that further amplifies the sense of overwhelming misery.
The use of light and shadow is crucial to the drawing’s impact. The figures on the plateau are illuminated by an unseen source, highlighting their forms while plunging the scene below into near-total darkness. This reinforces the separation between those in power and those who suffer. The texture of the engraving contributes to a feeling of oppressive weight and confinement.
Subtly, the drawing suggests themes of justice, authority, and the human condition. It implies a system where some are elevated above others, seemingly detached from the struggles of those below. The chasm itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for societal divisions, moral failings, or perhaps even the consequences of divine judgment. The lack of clear narrative context allows for multiple interpretations, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of power and suffering within a larger framework.