The Hunchback of Notre-Dame 1881

Luc-Oliver Merson’s 1881 illustration, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," depicts the famous cathedral in Paris with a series of gargoyles perched high above the city. The gargoyles are rendered in detailed pen and ink, while the city below is rendered in a hazy grey wash, highlighting the contrast between the solid and the ephemeral. The image is a dramatic and evocative portrayal of Victor Hugo’s famed novel, capturing the gothic atmosphere of the story. The artist uses chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, to add to the sense of mystery and intrigue.