“The Levite Carries the Woman’s Body Away” is a religious painting created by Gustave Doré, an artist renowned for his contributions to the Romanticism art movement. This particular artwork is part of the series “The Holy Bible”, capturing themes deeply rooted in biblical history and narratives.
The artwork depicts a dark and somber scene, characterized by its intense emotional narrative and dramatic use of light and shadow. In the foreground, a Levite is seen carrying away the lifeless body of a woman, an episode derived from the biblical text of Judges 19:28. The surrounding environment, likely a cityscape, is rendered in a highly detailed and evocative manner, reflecting the desolation of the moment. The dramatic illumination emerging from the cloudy sky casts an ethereal glow over the scene, emphasizing the tragic and poignant nature of the event. The artwork, through its intricate details and powerful storytelling, showcases Doré’s mastery in conveying profound emotional depth and narrative intensity.