“Abdiel and Satan,” an engraving by Gustave Doré created around 1868, exemplifies the Romanticism movement and is a piece of illustration art. The artwork is part of a series based on John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and is held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a dramatic confrontation between the angel Abdiel and Satan, enriched with intricate details and vibrant contrasts typical of Doré’s engravings. Abdiel is shown with a resolute expression, wielding a sword, symbolizing justice and righteousness. His wings and armor are finely detailed, exhibiting the Romantic period’s emphasis on emotion and heroism. Surrounding Abdiel, other celestial beings are poised, emphasizing the tension and grandeur of the epic scene. The background, filled with clouds and shadows, enhances the ethereal and dynamic atmosphere. The engraving’s finely etched lines and delicate shading illustrate Doré’s masterful technique, bringing depth and intensity to this timeless biblical confrontation.
