img144 Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a landscape dominated by a herd of bison traversing a shallow body of water. The composition is structured around a central waterway that leads the eye into the receding distance, where a line of trees marks the horizon. A cluster of rocks punctuates the foreground on the left side, adding textural contrast to the surrounding vegetation.
The artist employed meticulous cross-hatching techniques to render the scene in monochrome, creating a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. The light source appears to originate from behind the herd, illuminating their forms and casting subtle shadows that define their musculature. This backlighting contributes to an almost ethereal quality, emphasizing the scale and wildness of the animals.
The bison themselves are depicted with considerable detail; individual features like horns, ears, and fur texture are discernible. Their presence within the water suggests a natural cycle – sustenance and movement through a vital ecosystem. The sheer number of animals implies abundance and a thriving environment.
Beyond the immediate depiction of wildlife, theres an underlying sense of vastness and untamed nature. The horizon line is low, emphasizing the expansive sky above. This contributes to a feeling of solitude and the insignificance of human presence within this landscape. The drawing evokes themes of wilderness, natural power, and perhaps even a romanticized view of a disappearing frontier. It’s possible that the artist intended to convey not just an observation but also a commentary on the relationship between humanity and the natural world.