The Prophet Ezekiel 

Gustave Doré produced "The Prophet Ezekiel" using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands great skill and precision. Deep lines are incised into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper. The dramatic appearance of this image owes everything to this intensive process. Notice the stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through carefully controlled gradations of line. This allows Doré to create a theatrical scene, full of emotion. Engraving was not only a means of artistic expression but also a commercial enterprise. Prints like these were widely distributed, bringing biblical scenes to a broad audience. The labor-intensive nature of engraving meant that workshops often employed skilled artisans. Doré's artistry, therefore, intersected with the economic realities of the print industry, where technical expertise and artistic vision combined to create powerful images for mass consumption. Understanding the materials, tools, and social context is key to fully appreciating the impact of such works.