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Gustave Doré (1832-1883) was a French illustrator and artist. Beginning as a caricature artist at age fifteen, Doré is best known for his prolific output of wood engravings of subjects spanning classical literature, fairy tales, satire, and – most notably – religious texts. He gained prominence in the early 1850s after winning a series of commissions to depict scenes from books by the likes of Cervantes, Rabelais, Balzac, Milton, and Dante.
Doré first achieved international success after the publishing of his Illustrated Bible; ultimately, his works were disseminated throughout Europe and the United States, quickly becoming coveted collectors’ items.
Doré’s use of chiaroscuro, or the interplay of light and dark, compliments the dramatic themes of works such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the Raven, and the Bible. His work influenced cinematography and costume design in early films. His illustrations of classic literary works remain in the collective consciousness of readers today.
