“The Styx–The Irascible,” created by Gustave Doré, is an illustration that belongs to the Romanticism art movement. This artwork is part of the series “The Divine Comedy,” renowned for its vivid depictions of scenes from Dante Alighieri’s epic poem.
The artwork portrays a tumultuous scene set in the realm of the River Styx, where numerous tormented souls are depicted amidst waves and treacherous rocks. Central to the composition are two prominent figures, possibly representing Dante and Virgil, standing atop a mass of writhing, anguished bodies. The background is dominated by dark, jagged landscapes and a foreboding sky, reflecting the tumultuous and tormented atmosphere characteristic of the Divine Comedy’s infernal regions. The detailed and expressive lines showcase Doré’s mastery in capturing the dramatic intensity and emotional turmoil of the infernal scenery.
