The Cruelties of Bibars 

This is Gustave Doré's engraving "The Cruelties of Bibars." Doré made this work during the 19th century, at a time of increased Orientalism in Western art. The image depicts the aftermath of Bibars' conquest of Antioch, marked by a brutal display of power. Bibars, a Mamluk Sultan, stands triumphantly as his soldiers display the severed heads of Christian knights to grieving women. This scene reflects the historical clashes between Christianity and Islam during the Crusades, feeding into the era's orientalist fascination with violence in the 'East'. Doré's dramatic use of light and shadow heightens the emotional intensity, drawing viewers into the horror and despair of the conquered. The image serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of religious conflict and the power dynamics inherent in colonial narratives. It presents a biased view of the events, showcasing how historical narratives can be manipulated to reinforce cultural prejudices and political agendas.