The Christian Army in the Mountains of Judea 

Gustave Doré made 'The Christian Army in the Mountains of Judea' using wood engraving, a technique involving meticulous carving of an image onto a wooden block. This method was a mainstay of nineteenth-century illustration, aligning art with the burgeoning print culture and mass media. The stark contrast and intricate details of the scene are a direct result of the engraving process, where the artist removes material to create lines and textures. The sheer labor involved in such a detailed rendering speaks to the economic realities of the time, where skilled artisans produced images for a growing consumer market. Doré's choice of this medium underscores the intersection of artistic expression, craft traditions, and industrial production. By appreciating the materials, making process, and historical context, we gain a richer understanding of how art reflects and shapes society. The sheer amount of work that went into this image is humbling. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, revealing the social and economic forces at play.