“A Famine in Samaria” is an artwork created by Gustave Doré circa 1866. It is part of the Romanticism art movement and belongs to the genre of religious painting. The artwork is included in the series “The Holy Bible.”
The artwork depicts a biblical scene set during a famine in Samaria. It shows a group of stricken and desperate figures, emphasizing the sorrow and despair of the famine. The central focus is on the interaction between an anguished king, likely King Jehoram of Israel, and a group of emaciated people pleading for assistance. The intricate detailing and dramatic expressions are reflective of Doré’s mastery in conveying human emotion and suffering. The use of lines and shading brings depth and texture to the illustration, highlighting the dire circumstances and invoking a deep sense of empathy from the viewer. This poignant scene is further enhanced by the somber atmosphere and the contrasts between light and shadow, characteristic of Doré’s style.
