The artwork titled “St. Louis leaving Aigues-Mortes” was created by Gustave Doré in 1877. This engraving, an illustration from the Romanticism art movement, is part of the series “Bibliotheque des Croisades”. Currently housed at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris, France, this piece exemplifies Doré’s mastery in depicting historical and dramatic scenes.
In the artwork, a majestic ship is seen departing from Aigues-Mortes, led by King Charles of Anjou and St. Louis, embarking on a crusade. The scene is rife with movement and emotion, as angelic figures with elaborate wings are depicted soaring through the foreground, adding a celestial and heroic dimension to the crusaders’ journey. The ship, with its towering mast and billowing sails, is illuminated against the dark, stormy sky, underscoring a sense of grandeur and destiny. This composition combines both dynamic and ethereal elements, capturing a pivotal moment in historical narrative with evocative detail and romantic fervor.
