The Death of Athaliah 

Gustave Doré created this dramatic image, "The Death of Athaliah," using the technique of wood engraving. Look closely, and you'll see how the stark black lines carved into the woodblock create deep contrasts, heightening the scene's intensity. Wood engraving, unlike traditional engraving on metal, allowed for finer detail and the possibility of larger print runs. This was crucial for Doré, as his illustrations were intended for mass consumption in books and periodicals. The choice of this readily reproducible medium reflects the burgeoning print culture of the 19th century, fueled by industrialization. Doré's skill as an illustrator allowed him to meet the growing demand for accessible imagery, bringing biblical scenes like this to a wide audience. Yet, there's a tension here – the skilled handwork of engraving serves a process driven by capitalist modes of production. Understanding this interplay between material, technique, and social context opens up new ways of appreciating Doré's work.