Bertram De Born 

Editor: Gustave Doré’s engraving, “Bertram De Born,” presents a nightmarish scene. The figure holding his severed head aloft is intensely macabre and… I'm curious, what does this piece communicate to you beyond just the literal depiction? Curator: For me, it's a brutal visualization of the cost of division and strife. Doré wasn't just illustrating Dante; he was indicting a society prone to tearing itself apart. Think about the historical context: this piece reflects anxieties around political fragmentation. What is Bertram de Born’s gesture implying about the consequences of his actions and of broader societal conflicts? Editor: I see it now. So, it's not just horror, but a commentary on societal failings… How does the style contribute? It feels so exaggerated. Curator: Precisely. The romantic style heightens the emotional impact, using the grotesque to critique power. Look at the other figures; they are the consequences of the central figure's conflict. Dore utilizes surrealist elements as an element of social commentary and reflection upon personal identity. Do you think that Dore achieved making a lasting statement? Editor: The faces of the crowd certainly express a deep sadness and horror; the statement feels timeless. Curator: Yes! And beyond just timelessness, there’s that potent connection between personal agency, societal structures, and inevitable repercussions. Editor: I appreciate that this connects the individual and society in the examination of moral questions; that the questions raised are so significant makes me appreciate Doré’s intent all the more. Curator: Exactly. Art as a mirror, reflecting back our choices and their wider implications.