The artwork, titled “The Two Goats”, was created by Gustave DorĂ© around the year 1868. This piece, executed in the medium of engraving, is part of the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of illustration. It is a part of the series “The Fables” and is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and perilous scene where two goats confront each other on a narrow and fragile bridge spanning a deep gorge. The intricate detailing of the engraving brings the scene to life, capturing the tense moment amidst a lush, yet treacherous landscape. Tall trees rise on either side of the gorge, their delicate branches forming a stark contrast to the jagged rocks below. The subtle gradations of light and shadow invoke a sense of impending doom, as the goats appear to be locked in a silent standoff, surrounded by the raw beauty and danger of nature.