In pursuit he therefore sped exclaiming -Thou art caught- Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a confined space, likely a cavernous grotto abutting a body of water. The composition is dominated by three male figures engaged in a dynamic pursuit and capture. A winged figure, possessing the musculature of a man but clearly imbued with demonic attributes – horns and bat-like wings – is poised mid-air, descending towards two other men struggling within the water.
The central figure, lying prone on the surface, appears to be the object of the winged being’s pursuit. He is partially submerged, his body contorted in a posture suggesting both resistance and defeat. A spear or similar pointed weapon is thrust downwards toward him, further emphasizing his vulnerability. To his left, another man attempts to escape, thrashing through the water with an expression of terror etched on his face. The swirling patterns created by the water’s movement suggest a chaotic struggle for survival.
The winged figures posture conveys a sense of triumphant power and predatory intent. His raised arm and open mouth imply a vocal declaration – the inscription Thou art caught suggests this is a moment of gloating victory. The dramatic lighting, achieved through dense cross-hatching, creates stark contrasts between light and shadow, intensifying the emotional impact of the scene. The darkness surrounding the figures isolates them within their struggle, contributing to an atmosphere of dread and confinement.
Beyond the literal depiction of pursuit and capture, the drawing evokes themes of temptation, damnation, and divine retribution. The winged figure can be interpreted as a representation of a malevolent force – perhaps a demon or a fallen angel – luring mortals into transgression and subsequently condemning them. The water itself might symbolize a liminal space between worlds, representing the perilous journey from innocence to sin. The overall effect is one of intense psychological drama, exploring the consequences of human fallibility and the inescapable power of forces beyond mortal control.