The artwork, “Crusaders surrounded by Saladin’s army,” crafted by the esteemed artist Gustave Doré in 1877, is a lithographic piece rooted in the Romanticism art movement. It belongs to the genre of illustration, forming part of the series titled “Bibliothèque des Croisades.” Presently, this artwork is held within a private collection.
In the artwork, a tumultuous battle scene unfolds, wherein the Crusaders find themselves encircled by the imposing forces of Saladin’s army. The meticulous details rendered by Doré epitomize the Romanticism movement, reflecting both the intensity and grandeur of historical conflicts. The monochromatic palette of the lithograph accentuates the dramatic tension, with waves of soldiers and horses dynamically dispersed across a rugged, mountainous terrain. The intricate portrayal of armor, weaponry, and the chaotic momentum of battle conveys a vivid narrative of strife and unyielding resistance.