The artwork titled “This said, they both betook them several ways” is an illustration by Gustave Doré, a prominent artist associated with the Romanticism movement. This particular piece is part of Doré’s illustration series for John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” a work renowned for its exploration of biblical and metaphysical themes.
In the artwork, two central figures are depicted in a monochromatic, intricately detailed manner. The figure on the right, cloaked and in repose, holds a large sword, exuding an aura of solemn authority and contemplation. Their features, though somewhat obscured, suggest a sense of inner conflict or reflection. The other figure on the left appears bent over, possibly in sorrow or repentance, wrapped in a heavy cloak that nearly conceals their form. The composition of the artwork draws the viewer’s eye upward, towards the subtle play of light breaking through the clouds above, creating a dramatic and ethereal atmosphere. The rugged and rocky foreground further emphasizes the desolate and austere setting, encapsulating the profound emotional and narrative depth characteristic of Doré’s illustrative work.
