“Evil Counsellors,” created by Gustave Doré, is an illustration that belongs to the Romanticism art movement. This artwork is part of a series illustrating “The Divine Comedy.” The genre of this work is illustration, reflecting Doré’s intricate and dramatic style.
The artwork presents a scene filled with intense detail and emotion typical of Doré’s masterpieces. It depicts two figures cloaked in robes, standing on a precarious rocky outcrop that winds upwards through a dark and cavernous space. Below them, the ominous flames of fire and smoke arise, signifying a foreboding presence and serving as a visual metaphor for the consequences of the evil counselors’ deceit. Vertical lines dominate the background, enhancing the sense of depth and height, creating a visually striking contrast with the textured rocky ledge. The illustration captures the torment and despair in a manner that evokes a deep, introspective reflection on the moral lessons from the literary work it illustrates.
