Don Quixote 

Gustave Doré created this set of engravings to illustrate Miguel de Cervantes' early 17th century novel, Don Quixote. Doré, a 19th century French artist, was here offering a visual interpretation of a text that satirizes the ideals of European feudalism. Doré’s images reflect the social and political turmoil that France experienced in the 19th century. The revolutions of 1830 and 1848 had challenged traditional social hierarchies. The republican and socialist movements pushed for greater equality and social justice, even as conservative forces tried to maintain the status quo. In this context, Doré’s illustrations of Don Quixote can be seen as a commentary on the clash between old and new, tradition and progress. The image can be read alongside those of other artists who sought to challenge or subvert academic conventions. To fully understand this image, a close study of the history of French political movements during the 19th century would certainly be illuminating. And this is what makes the interpretation of art so rewarding.