The artwork titled “Death of Baldwin I the Latin King of Jerusalem” was created by Gustave Doré in 1877, utilizing the medium of lithography. This piece belongs to the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of illustration. It is part of the series “Bibliotheque des Croisades” and is held in a private collection.
In this evocative lithograph, Doré skillfully captures a historical moment imbued with sorrow and solemnity. The central figure, presumably Baldwin I, lies on a bed or stretcher, surrounded by a group of armored knights and attendants whose expressions reflect deep grief and solemn respect. The dense gathering of figures at close quarters portrays a poignant scene, with some kneeling or leaning in as if to hear the king’s final words. The background is marked by a forest of banners and flags, suggesting the setting is amongst a crusading camp or battlefield. Doré’s attention to detail and dramatic use of light and shadow enhance the emotional gravity of the scene, while the finely etched textures provide a vivid sense of realism. This composition effectively conveys the historical and emotional weight of the moment, underscoring the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on intense emotion and dramatic narratives.
