The Children Destroyed by Bears 1866

Gustave Doré made this wood engraving of the "The Children Destroyed by Bears" sometime in the 19th century. Doré was a master of the technique, which involves carving an image into the end-grain of a block of wood. The fine lines and intricate detail we see here are a testament to his skill. Wood engraving was a popular method for book illustration at the time, as it allowed for images to be printed alongside text on a printing press. The stark contrast between light and shadow, created by the incised lines, intensifies the drama of the scene, as the bears attack the children. The image would have been made by a skilled artisan, following Doré's design. The division of labor inherent in the printmaking process raises questions about authorship and the role of the artist in a world increasingly shaped by industrial production. Doré’s image reminds us that even seemingly straightforward illustrations are the product of complex social and economic relationships.