The Inferno, Canto 21 

Gustave Doré created this illustration for Canto 21 of Dante's Inferno using engravings. The stark contrast between light and shadow immediately draws us into this dramatic scene of torment. Dore masterfully uses line and texture to depict the grotesque figures of devils and the desolate landscape of hell. Note how the composition is structured around diagonals, enhancing the dynamic feel of the scene. The artist's skillful manipulation of space and perspective creates a sense of depth, pulling us into the chaotic world. The meticulous rendering of the figures emphasizes their physicality, underscoring the brutal nature of their actions. It's as if Dore uses form to mirror the moral decay of the Inferno. Here, Dore's command of visual language serves not just to illustrate Dante's text, but to amplify its themes.