Paradise Lost 

Gustave Doré created this engraving, titled "Paradise Lost," during the Victorian era, a time of significant social and religious change. Doré’s illustration visualizes John Milton's epic poem, dramatically portraying the battle between good and evil. Note how the artist uses light and shadow to create a sense of chaos, heightening the emotional impact of the scene. Here we witness a celestial war, a contest between the divine and the rebellious. Gender dynamics are at play too: powerful male figures dominate, which reflects the patriarchal structures of Victorian society. The visual representation might spark a moment of reflection on the role of faith, morality, and power in shaping our perceptions of the world. Doré’s work serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between light and darkness within the human experience.