Death of Almoadam 1877

Gustave Dore created this piece using the technique of wood engraving. It's a relief printing method where the artist carves an image into the end grain of a block of wood, often using specialized tools like gravers or burins. The process itself demands precision, control, and a deep understanding of how lines and textures translate from the block to the printed image. Just look at the ways Dore coaxes such intricate detail from the material, capturing light and shadow with remarkable skill. The density of lines create areas of deep shadow, while the untouched wood allows for highlights. The dramatic scene of Almoadam's demise is made all the more striking by this stark contrast. Wood engraving was a key method of illustration in the 19th century, allowing for the mass production of images in books and newspapers. The labor-intensive process of wood engraving often involved skilled artisans and workshops. So, next time you look at a print, think about the hand that made it.