They heard and were abashed and up they sprung Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a dramatic scene unfolding on a raised terrain, dominated by a central figure wielding a spear aloft. He stands upon a mound littered with fallen beings, all possessing wings suggestive of angelic or celestial nature. The composition is densely populated; the ground teems with prostrate and struggling figures, their postures conveying distress, defeat, and a sudden, startled reaction.
The central figure’s posture – arms raised in what appears to be either command or revelation – immediately draws attention. His stance suggests authority and control over the chaos surrounding him. The spear he holds is positioned vertically, acting as an extension of his power and pointing towards the turbulent sky above. His expression remains ambiguous, though the overall impression is one of forceful action.
The background is characterized by a swirling, dramatic sky filled with heavy clouds, rendered in meticulous detail using cross-hatching techniques that create a sense of depth and movement. This atmospheric turbulence reinforces the emotional intensity of the scene below. A distant horizon line suggests an expansive landscape beyond the immediate conflict.
A key element contributing to the narrative is the collective reaction of the fallen figures. They appear to have been caught mid-action, their bodies contorted in expressions of surprise and fear. The suddenness of this shift – from whatever activity they were engaged in to a posture of abasement – implies an unexpected revelation or command that has startled them into submission.
The artist’s use of light and shadow is particularly noteworthy. While the scene lacks direct illumination, subtle gradations create volume and texture, emphasizing the physicality of the figures and the ruggedness of the terrain. The overall monochromatic palette contributes to a sense of solemnity and timelessness.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of power, obedience, and divine intervention. The fallen beings’ reaction suggests a disruption of their established order, brought about by an external force represented by the central figure. The scene hints at a narrative of transgression or rebellion followed by a forceful correction, leaving the viewer to ponder the nature of authority and the consequences of defiance.