The artwork, titled “Assassination of Henry of Germany,” was rendered by the artist Gustave Doré. It belongs to the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of illustration. This piece is part of the “Bibliotheque des Croisades” series.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and intense scene wherein Henry of Germany is attacked and ultimately killed by Simon and Guy de Montfort. The assault takes place at the foot of a church altar, emphasizing the gravity and sacrilege of the act. The detailed and intricate lines characteristic of Doré’s style convey the movement and chaos of the moment. The attackers are vividly portrayed, their aggressive postures and armored forms contrasting with the sacredness of the church setting, as emphasized by the altar adorned with candles and an open book. The background features towering columns and gothic architectural elements, which frame the violent event taking place in the foreground.
