Some natural tears they dropt but wiped them soon Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a scene steeped in melancholy and transition. Here we observe two figures, presumably male and female, positioned within a dense, almost claustrophobic woodland setting. The woman reclines against a rocky outcrop, her posture suggesting exhaustion or despair; she is partially draped with what appears to be foliage. Her gaze is averted, directed downwards, reinforcing the impression of dejection. Beside her stands the man, his body bare and seemingly vulnerable, facing away from the viewer towards an elevated position in the background. His stance conveys a sense of resignation rather than active movement.
The composition is dominated by the oppressive weight of the surrounding trees, their gnarled branches intertwining to form a dark canopy that obscures much of the sky. The artist employed strong contrasts between light and shadow, enhancing the atmosphere of gloom and isolation. The ground is uneven and strewn with roots and debris, contributing to the overall feeling of disorder and loss.
In the distance, partially obscured by the trees, stands a winged figure. This individual appears to be observing the pair from above, their posture suggesting both authority and detachment. Their presence introduces an element of divine intervention or perhaps impending judgment into the scene. The light seems to emanate from this figure, creating a visual separation between them and the couple below.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of expulsion, regret, and the loss of innocence. The woman’s posture and averted gaze suggest a profound sense of sorrow, while the mans stance implies acceptance of an inevitable fate. The winged figure represents a force beyond human comprehension, perhaps symbolizing divine retribution or the promise of future redemption. The dense woodland environment functions as a symbolic representation of the wilderness into which these figures have been cast, signifying their separation from a former state of grace and comfort. The overall effect is one of profound sadness and uncertainty, leaving the viewer to contemplate the consequences of transgression and the complexities of human existence.