Via Mala 1881

Gustave Doré made this drawing, Via Mala, using graphite on paper. Doré was a prolific and successful illustrator, known for his dramatic and detailed scenes. In this work, the texture of the graphite creates a sense of depth and ruggedness, perfectly capturing the dramatic landscape. Look closely at the marks Doré made. Notice the fine, precise lines used to define the rock face, and the softer, smudged areas that suggest mist and atmosphere. The use of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, allowed Doré to create highly detailed and reproducible images. This was crucial to his success as an illustrator, as his work needed to be easily translated into prints for mass consumption. Doré’s skilled handling of the medium transformed simple graphite into a powerful tool for conveying the sublime grandeur of nature. By focusing on the materials and methods used, we gain a richer understanding of Doré’s artistic achievements, and how they relate to the wider world of print culture and commercial art.