Christian Martyrs

1869/1871

Gustave Doré

Associated Names
Gustave Doré

Artist, French, 1832 - 1883

This is a drawing of an angelic figure and fallen individuals within a grand architectural setting. The drawing presents a somber scene. In the foreground, there are individuals lying on the ground, dressed in long robes, some motionless. One of these figures features a faint halo above its head. The upper portion of the drawing is dominated by an angel with outstretched wings, descending from above. The background features an architectural element reminiscent of a theater or amphitheater, with curved arches and tiered seating. The use of muted tones and careful shading highlights the ethereal quality of the angel and the solemnity of the tableau below.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Durlacher Brothers, New York); William B. O'Neal [1907-1964], Charlottesville, VA, February 1966; gift to NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1971

  • Master Drawings from the O'Neal Collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond and tour, 1971-72.

1993

  • Drawings from the O'Neal Collection. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1993, 28.

1996

  • Drawings from the O'Neal Collection, Georgia Museum of Art, The University of Georgia, Athens, 4 May-16 June, 1996.

Bibliography

1971

  • "Drawings from the O'Neal Collection, October 15-November 21," Virginia Museum Bulletin, 32 (Oct 1971), 6.

Inscriptions

lower right in brown ink: Gdoré; lower left in brown ink: in cielo anima / in terra sanguis

Wikidata ID

Q64572796

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