The artwork entitled “The Dove Sent Forth From The Ark,” created by Gustave Doré in 1866, is an engraving that exemplifies the Romanticism movement. This religious painting is part of “The Holy Bible” series and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a dramatic scene derived from the Biblical narrative of Noah’s Ark. Dominating the upper part of the composition is the massive and imposing Ark, grounded atop a mountainous landscape. Below the Ark, there is a stark contrast: lifeless bodies of both humans and animals are scattered along the rocky terrain and a cascading stream, illustrating the aftermath of the Great Flood. Central to the narrative is a single white dove, depicted mid-flight near the center of the artwork, symbolizing hope and the promise of new beginnings. The engraving’s detailed and intricate line work captures the intensity and gravity of the scene, while the use of light highlights the divine intervention amid the devastation.
