The Forest 

Gustave Doré made this dramatic scene in the 19th century using the technique of wood engraving. The dense, textured blacks were achieved by carving into the end-grain of a block of wood, a labor-intensive process demanding great skill. The resulting print is a testament to the engraver’s dexterity, especially when you consider that prints like this were made in multiples, for mass consumption in books and periodicals. The figures are dwarfed by the landscape, a theme that would have resonated in the Industrial age. Doré’s technical virtuosity served the popular appetite for striking imagery. He wasn’t necessarily making "high art," but images for a mass audience that could be reproduced ad infinitum. Understanding the mechanics of production is essential for appreciating the visual power of this compelling image. The way it was crafted influenced how it was received, and its lasting impact on visual culture.