Cyrus Returning the Vessels of the Temple of Jerusalem
1866
Gustave Doré brings the Bible to life in this dramatic 1866 engraving, depicting the Persian King Cyrus the Great allowing the Jews to return home from exile. Standing amidst colossal, intricately carved columns that look like something out of a fantasy epic, Cyrus gestures generously as his subjects bring forward the sacred vessels looted from the Temple of Jerusalem. Doré was the master of dramatic scale, making this scene feel like a moment from a Hollywood blockbuster centuries before movies existed. This illustration comes from his famous 'La Sainte Bible' series, which essentially defined how the Victorian era visualized the Old Testament.
- Technique
- Wood engraving
Views: 3