The first portrait of Sarah Bernhardt, scenes of the Franco-Prussian War, two huge religious paintings, and two superb views of the Scottish Highlands. Doré as you’ve not seen him before.
illustration
Known today only for his prolific illustrations of major European narratives and the Bible, he was also an accomplished and well-received painter in oils.
An active socialist from 1883, for a few years his paintings had social undertones, then from 1887 they showed the forces of nature in elemental play.
Now known as one of the leading illustrators of children’s books, he was also an accomplished and recognised painter. Here are some narratives from his early career.
Paintings and illustrations by Gustave Doré and Walter Crane, two of the 19th century’s major illustrators, and both accomplished painters.
Telling a story in a standalone painting, and telling one in illustrations, are very different. Examples by Masaccio, Poussin, Crane, Rackham, and Hogarth.
Illustrated editions of the epic became most popular towards the end of the 19th century, when Walter Crane created the finest.
Two painters: one married Charles Dickens’ daughter and stopped painting, the other became a prolific illustrator, including books by Dickens’ grand-daughter. The Victorian Web at work.
Best known as the most influential children’s book illustrator, he painted several narrative paintings too.
Long forgotten now, panoramas were hugely popular in the 1800s, and some were strongly narrative.
The Eclectic Light Company 