Sordello and Virgil 

Gustave Doré rendered this scene with stark contrasts and intricate detail. The composition pulls the viewer into a dense forest clearing, where figures emerge from deep shadows into a softly illuminated space. The engraving employs light not merely to reveal but to structure the scene, dividing the space and drawing attention to the figures of Virgil and Sordello. Through crosshatching, Doré achieves a rich texture that invites the viewer to explore the detailed rendering of each element. This technique creates a world that is visually tactile, almost palpable. The figures are rendered with a linearity that emphasizes their forms against the backdrop of nature. This linear definition, combined with the stark contrast, serves a dual purpose: it highlights the narrative's focus on human form and action, while also suggesting a deeper symbolic structure underpinning the scene. Doré invites us to interpret the visual text through a play of signs, where each stroke contributes to a larger narrative and philosophical discourse.