The Wandering Jew 

Editor: Here we have "The Wandering Jew", an ink drawing by Gustave Doré. It's a rather somber piece, quite gothic in its atmosphere. I'm struck by how Doré uses light and shadow. What do you see in this piece, Professor? Curator: The drama resides primarily in Doré’s mastery of line and the composition itself. Observe how the jagged, almost violent lines delineate the figure of the Wandering Jew, contrasted with the smoother, flowing lines used to depict the rain and the landscape. Notice how this division creates tension, almost a visual representation of the character’s internal conflict. What is your view on the figure/ground relationship here? Editor: I think the dark background really emphasizes the figure, both of the Wandering Jew and of Christ on the cross. They're thrust forward by the contrast. Is that contrast deliberate, to draw attention to them? Curator: Precisely! The sharp contrasts in value emphasize not just their forms, but also their symbolic weight within the narrative. Consider the positioning. The Wandering Jew is walking away from the crucifix, a physical manifestation of his rejection. Editor: That’s a great point, it's like the image is saying more than just showing what is happening. Thank you. Curator: You're welcome! Now you can analyze value and symbolism, together. It opens a whole new way of interpreting such pieces.