...y vio que à sus espaldas venian hasta seis ó siete hombres... c. 1855

Célestin Nanteuil created this detailed print depicting a scene from Don Quixote. The linear precision of the engraving captures a range of textures, from the rough stone of the buildings to the fine fabrics of the characters' clothing, all rendered in monochrome. The composition is structured around a contrast between stasis and motion. On one side, we see figures arrested, surrounding a caged character, presumably Don Quixote. Opposite, we see a group of figures mounted on horseback receding into the distance. This division creates a visual tension, which echoes the narrative tension of the story itself. Nanteuil uses the sharp lines of the engraving to delineate each form distinctly, creating a play of light and shadow that adds depth to the scene. Notice the ways the bars of the cage cut across the figure of Quixote, fragmenting his form and visually underscoring his confinement. This technique challenges our perception, inviting us to consider the complex themes of imprisonment and freedom within the narrative. The artwork is not just an illustration; it’s a commentary on the themes of perception and reality, delivered through the formal qualities of line, texture, and composition.