“The Discovery of The True Cross,” created by Gustave Doré in 1877, is a lithograph that exemplifies the Romanticism art movement. The artwork falls under the genre of illustration and belongs to the series “Bibliothèque des Croisades.” Currently, it resides in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a dramatic and solemn scene set within a grand, arched architectural space. A group of crusaders is depicted in reverence as they encircle a large cross lying on a draped surface. The intricate details rendered by Doré illustrate the intensity of the moment, as the crusaders appear in various states of worship and awe. The background is richly textured, featuring towering pillars and gothic arches, which enhance the historical and spiritual gravity of the event. The scene is illuminated by the glow of torches, adding a rhythmic play of light and shadows, quintessential to Doré’s illustrative style.
