Now Night her course began Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a stark and dramatic landscape dominated by jagged rock formations that rise sharply into a clouded sky. The artist has employed meticulous cross-hatching to create a sense of texture and depth within these geological features, emphasizing their imposing scale and ruggedness. A figure, seemingly humanoid but possessing large, bat-like wings, occupies the foreground. This individual reclines upon a rocky outcrop, appearing both powerful and weary.
The composition is structured around strong diagonals, which contribute to the overall feeling of instability and precariousness. The figure’s posture suggests a moment of repose after exertion or perhaps an acceptance of a weighty burden. The wings are partially folded, hinting at potential for flight but also conveying a sense of confinement within this desolate environment.
The light source is ambiguous; it appears diffused, casting long shadows that further accentuate the harshness of the terrain. This lack of clear illumination contributes to the atmosphere of mystery and foreboding. The monochromatic palette reinforces the somber mood, stripping away any potential for visual distraction and focusing attention on the stark contrasts between light and shadow, form and void.
Subtly, the drawing evokes themes of isolation, power, and perhaps even a fallen state. The figure’s position atop the precipice suggests dominion over the landscape below, yet his posture implies vulnerability or resignation. The vastness of the surrounding environment dwarfs him, underscoring the insignificance of individual existence within a larger cosmic order. The presence of wings, traditionally associated with angels or divine beings, here takes on a darker connotation, hinting at a corruption or descent from grace. The overall effect is one of profound melancholy and an exploration of the complexities inherent in power and responsibility.