The Valley of Tears
1883
Gustave Doré is famous for his spooky black-and-white book illustrations, but here he goes big and dramatic with oil paints! This painting depicts the 'Vale of Tears,' a biblical concept that life on Earth is a place of suffering. You can see a huge, chaotic crowd of desperate people in a dark, rocky canyon, looking miserable and reaching out in agony. In the distance, a glowing figure of Christ carrying a cross walks toward a bright tunnel of light, acting as the only beacon of hope in this gloomy world. It’s a classic example of Romantic drama, designed to make you feel the heavy weight of human sorrow and the distant promise of salvation.
- Technique
- Oil painting