Via Mala
1881
Gustave Doré captures the dizzying depths of the Via Mala gorge in Switzerland, a place whose name literally translates to 'bad road' because the path was so treacherous. A massive stone arch frames the top of the scene, acting like a rocky window into the abyss, while a smaller bridge dangles precariously in the misty distance below. Tall, spindly pines cling to the sheer cliffs and a lone bird soars through the empty space, emphasizing the sheer scale of the canyon compared to the tiny figure peering over the edge at the bottom right. It’s a perfect example of Romanticism, where nature is majestic, slightly scary, and totally overwhelming.
- Technique
- Pen and ink drawing
- Material
- Paper
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