The artwork titled “Gerard of Avesnes exposed on the walls of Arsuf” is an illustration by the renowned artist Gustave Doré, created in the year 1877. This lithographic piece exemplifies the Romanticism movement and forms part of the series “Bibliothèque des Croisades.” The artwork is presently held within a private collection.
In this evocative illustration, the artist masterfully depicts a dramatic scene with intricate and detailed linework. A central figure is bound to a tall wooden structure, elevated and prominently displayed on the walls of what appears to be a fortified city. Surrounding this figure are several individuals, their postures and expressions conveying a sense of turmoil and engagement with the unfolding event. The fortress itself is depicted with high walls, suggesting a place of significant military importance. This historical and emotional tableau is rendered with a high degree of realism, true to the dramatic and expressive characteristics of the Romanticism movement. The sky above is filled with turbulent clouds, enhancing the somber and intense atmosphere of the scene.
