They Plunged Their Swords Through His Body 

Gustave Doré made this engraving, titled ‘They Plunged Their Swords Through His Body’ in 19th century France to illustrate a scene from Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. Doré was a master of the dramatic, and this piece certainly captures the play’s themes of betrayal and revenge. Look at the composition – the dark shadows, the contorted figures, and the gargoyle leering down from the balustrade. They all create a sense of impending doom. Doré’s choice of black and white engraving lends the scene a timeless quality, evoking the historical setting of the play. Doré was working at a time when printed illustrations were becoming increasingly popular, helping to spread literary works to a wider audience. He was among the most successful and prolific of these illustrators. To understand the full impact of Doré’s work, it’s worth exploring the history of book illustration, and the complex relationship between art, literature, and the rise of mass media. By researching these aspects, we can better understand the cultural significance of this striking image.