The artwork “Gideon Chooses 300 Soldiers” is a religious painting by Gustave Doré, which is part of the Romanticism art movement and belongs to “The Holy Bible” series. The scene depicted in the artwork illustrates a biblical event where Gideon, instructed by the Lord, selects 300 soldiers based on how they drink water from a river, as described in Judges 7:5-7.
The artwork captures a serene yet dramatic moment by the river, with various figures engaging in the act of drinking water. In the foreground, several individuals are seen kneeling or crouching, bringing water to their mouths with their hands, while others bend down to lap the water like dogs. The background features a gathering of trees and a distant landscape, all rendered with meticulous detail typical of Doré’s engravings. The contrast between light and dark areas enhances the spiritual and contemplative atmosphere, drawing attention to the solemnity and significance of the divine test taking place.
