The artwork, titled “The Two Goats”, was created by Gustave Doré 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.