“The Creation of Fish and Birds” is an engraving by Gustave Dore, dating to circa 1868. The artwork belongs to the Romanticism movement and serves as an illustration for the “Paradise Lost” series. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection. This piece stands as a testament to Dore’s masterful handling of engraving as a medium and his contribution to the visual interpretation of literary works.
In the artwork, a dynamic and dramatic scene unfolds, embodying the Romantic interest in the sublime and the grandeur of nature. The composition is dominated by a tumultuous sea teeming with colossal sea creatures that emerge powerfully from the water. Their forms are intricately detailed, showcasing Dore’s exceptional skill in creating textures and depth through the meticulous use of line in the engraving process.
Above the churning waters, a serene sky opens up with beams of light that pierce the clouds, illuminating the birds in flight. The contrast between the light and dark areas of the artwork enhances the overall sense of drama and creation. Dore’s attention to the varied forms and movements of the birds adds to the piece’s thematic portrayal of life’s diversity.
A solitary figure is depicted on the lower left, perched high upon the rocky landscape and gazing upon the scene. This human presence provides a sense of scale and contemplation, drawing the viewer into the moment of creation and reflecting on the mighty works of the divine, a common theme in Romantic art and particularly within the context of Milton’s epic, “Paradise Lost,” from which this illustration is derived.
