The artwork titled “Illustration For Charles Perrault’s Bluebeard,” crafted by Gustave Doré around 1868, is an oil painting on canvas. It belongs to the Romanticism movement and falls under the genre of illustration. This piece is part of the series “Tales and Stories of the Past with Morals.”
The artwork features a bearded man, likely Bluebeard, the notorious character from Charles Perrault’s fairy tale, captured in a dramatic moment. The man, dressed in period attire including a voluminous tunic and tights, is depicted ascending a narrow, dimly-lit stone staircase, which curves upwards into shadow. His head is tilted upward, possibly indicating concern or contemplation, and he carries a large knife in his right hand, adding an element of tension and foreboding to the scene. The surroundings are rendered in earthy tones, emphasizing the stark and austere environment, which enhances the narrative’s dark and ominous atmosphere. The signature of Gustave Doré is visible in the lower right corner, authenticating the artwork.
