Don Quixote 

Gustave Doré’s illustration of *Don Quixote*, presents a scene rendered in stark contrasts of black and white, achieved through precise line work and hatching. The composition, with its dense crowd surrounding Don Quixote and the "talking" bronze head, creates a sense of theatrical anticipation. Doré masterfully uses the contrast between light and shadow to guide the viewer's eye. The intricate details in the costumes and architectural backdrop add to the dramatic tension. The "talking" bronze head, illuminated against the darker tones of the crowd, becomes the focal point, drawing our attention to the central theme of illusion versus reality. This focus reflects the broader concerns of the 19th century's engagement with Romanticism and its critique of Enlightenment rationality. Ultimately, Doré's illustration functions as a semiotic system where visual elements create a commentary on human perception and the fine line between sanity and delusion, inviting ongoing interpretation.