The Ninth Plague. Darkness 

Gustave Doré created "The Ninth Plague, Darkness" using wood engraving, a process demanding precision and patience. The image's stark contrast stems directly from the technique. A design is carved into a block of wood, and then ink is applied to the remaining raised surface. The deep blacks, achieved through careful removal of wood, emphasize the oppressive darkness descending upon Egypt. Look at the sky, where the horizontal lines create a tangible sense of weight and dread. The figures, rendered in intricate detail, are overwhelmed by the event, emphasizing human vulnerability against divine power. Doré was a master of his medium, exploiting its graphic potential to convey both drama and moral weight. While seemingly simple, wood engraving required immense skill and labor, mirroring the epic scale of the biblical narrative itself. It's a testament to the power of craft to elevate a story beyond words.