Eastward amoung those trees what glorious shape Comes this way moving Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The engraving presents a scene steeped in narrative and symbolic weight. Here we observe a landscape dominated by dense foliage, suggesting a primordial environment – lush, yet potentially concealing. A river winds through this setting, its surface reflecting the diffused light filtering through the trees. The composition is divided into distinct zones, each contributing to the overall meaning.
In the foreground, two figures are positioned on an elevated bank overlooking the water. One, presumably female, sits with a posture that conveys both vulnerability and contemplation. Her gaze appears directed towards the distant figure, while her body language suggests a quiet resignation or perhaps apprehension. The other figure, likely male, stands facing forward, his arm extended in a gesture of pointing or indication. His stance is more assertive, embodying an active role within the unfolding narrative.
Further into the scene, partially obscured by the trees and mist rising from the waters surface, appears a winged being – a luminous presence that seems to emanate light. This figure’s position, elevated above the landscape, suggests a divine or supernatural quality. The rendering of wings is particularly noteworthy; they are not depicted as fully formed but rather as swirling trails of light, emphasizing their ethereal nature.
The inclusion of animal life – specifically, a goat grazing near the riverbank – adds another layer to the scene’s complexity. Animals often symbolize innocence, naturalness, or even temptation in symbolic narratives. Their presence here subtly reinforces the sense of an unspoiled world on the cusp of change.
The artists use of light and shadow is crucial to the work’s impact. The overall tonality is muted, with a strong contrast between the dark foliage and the luminous figure in the distance. This creates a visual hierarchy that draws the viewer’s eye towards the central narrative element – the approaching being.
Subtly, the engraving explores themes of innocence, knowledge, and potential transgression. The pointing gesture of the male figure implies an awareness of something beyond their immediate surroundings, while the females posture suggests a passive acceptance of whatever is to come. The luminous presence in the distance hints at an intervention – a moment that will likely disrupt the established harmony of this Edenic setting. The composition as a whole evokes a sense of anticipation and foreboding, suggesting a pivotal moment in a larger story.