Tempest John Gilbert (1817-1897)

The drawing presents a scene steeped in dramatic tension and ambiguous narrative. Here we observe three figures positioned within a dense, overgrown environment. A man with long hair and a flowing robe stands slightly apart from a younger woman who is positioned closer to the third figure – a creature of distinctly bestial appearance.
The male figure’s posture suggests authority or perhaps protection; his gaze is directed towards the beast, while his hand gestures seem to restrain or direct it. The woman appears apprehensive, her body angled away from the creature and her expression conveying a mixture of fear and curiosity. Her delicate features contrast sharply with the raw physicality of the being before them.
The creature itself dominates the foreground through its size and aggressive posture. It is depicted as powerfully built, with prominent musculature and clawed hands extended towards the woman. Its face is partially obscured, adding to an unsettling sense of primal instinct. At its feet lies what appears to be a reptilian form, further emphasizing the creature’s connection to a wild, untamed realm.
The surrounding foliage contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. The dense tangle of leaves and branches creates a claustrophobic space, isolating the figures from any discernible background. This reinforces the sense that they are trapped within a primal landscape, confronting something ancient and potentially dangerous.
Subtexts within this drawing seem to revolve around themes of civilization versus savagery, control versus instinct, and perhaps even temptation or protection. The male figure could represent reason or societal order attempting to contain the raw power embodied by the creature. The woman’s presence introduces a vulnerability that heightens the dramatic stakes – is she a potential victim, a test subject, or something else entirely?
The artists use of cross-hatching and tonal variation creates a strong sense of depth and texture, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene. The stark contrast between light and shadow further emphasizes the drama and mystery inherent in this encounter.