Be none of you outrageous Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The engraving presents a dramatic scene unfolding on the precipice of what appears to be a vast chasm or abyss. A group of winged figures dominates the composition; their forms are contorted in expressions of anguish and struggle as they appear to ascend from, or descend into, the darkness below. Their wings, rendered with meticulous detail, suggest both flight and entrapment.
To the right of this tumultuous throng stands a solitary figure, distinguished by his attire – a flowing cloak that contrasts sharply with the nakedness and torment of those around him. He holds a long spear, which he uses to fend off or guide the winged beings. His posture conveys an air of authority and determination, though his face remains largely obscured, hinting at a complex emotional state.
The artist has employed strong chiaroscuro – a stark contrast between light and shadow – to heighten the sense of drama and unease. The darkness enveloping the scene creates a feeling of claustrophobia and impending doom, while the limited areas of illumination draw attention to the key figures and their interactions. The rocky outcrop upon which the central figure stands serves as a visual anchor, separating him from the chaos below and suggesting a position of relative stability or power.
Subtly, the engraving explores themes of ascent and descent, salvation and damnation. The winged creatures could be interpreted as souls in torment, struggling to escape their fate. The spear-wielding figure might represent a guiding force – a divine intervention or perhaps a symbol of human will attempting to navigate a perilous spiritual landscape. The obscured face invites speculation about the nature of this guide; is he benevolent, indifferent, or even complicit in the suffering depicted?
The overall effect is one of profound psychological tension and moral ambiguity, leaving the viewer to ponder the forces at play within this unsettling vision.