“The Departure,” an illustration created by Gustave Doré as part of the “Bibliothèque des Croisades” series, belongs to the Romanticism art movement. The artwork is an evocative depiction characteristic of Doré’s illustrative genre.
The artwork portrays a somber and poignant scene centered around a large wooden cross bearing the figure of Christ, which serves as a symbol of solace and faith. Gathered at the base of the cross are a group of sorrowful individuals, including women, children, and soldiers, who appear to be bidding farewell to the departing Crusaders seen in the background. The art captures the emotional gravity of the moment, with the figures exhibiting expressions of grief and prayerful contemplation. The surrounding environment is rendered in intricate detail, with stark trees and a muted sky that reflect the mood of the gathering. The combination of human emotion and religious symbolism underscores the depth and complexity of this historic departure for the Crusades.
