The artwork titled “Don Quixote and Sancho Setting Out” is an engraving created by Gustave DorĂ© in 1863. This piece belongs to the Romanticism art movement and serves as an illustration within the “Don Quixote” series. It forms a part of the Kharbine-Tapabor Collection located in Paris, France.
In the artwork, Don Quixote, the iconic chivalric figure, is depicted mounted on his noble horse, Rocinante, while his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, rides beside him on a donkey. The composition captures the resolute and adventurous spirit of Don Quixote, who is shown holding a lance and gazing forward with determination. Sancho Panza appears more relaxed yet attentive, reflecting his pragmatic nature. The background of the engraving presents a rugged, mountainous landscape with a distant, ethereal light breaking through the misty surroundings, enhancing the dramatic and romantic essence of the scene. The exquisite detail and dynamic movement encapsulated in the engraving are indicative of DorĂ©’s masterful technique and his ability to bring literary scenes to vivid life.