A Friendly Tournament

Artist: Gustave Dore
Print Type: Engraving
Signed: Signed in the plate
Date: Circa 1880
Dimensions: 14 x 10"
Subject: The Crusades - 1200 to 1215

Notes & Literature: Gustave Doré was a French artist, printmaker, illustrator, painter, comics artist, caricaturist, and sculptor. He is best known for his prolific output of wood-engravings, especially those illustrating classic books, including 241 illustrating the Bible.

Doré was born in Strasbourg, France, on January 6, 1832. He showed an early talent for drawing, and by the age of five he was creating drawings that were mature beyond his years. At the age of seven, he began carving in stone.

In 1847, Doré moved to Paris to study art. He soon began working as a caricaturist for the French humor magazine Le Journal pour Rire. His work was so popular that he was soon commissioned to illustrate books, including the works of Balzac, Rabelais, and Milton.

In 1861, Doré published his most famous work, an illustrated edition of Dante's Inferno. The illustrations were a critical and commercial success, and they helped to solidify Doré's reputation as one of the leading illustrators of his time.

Doré continued to work prolifically until his death in 1883. He illustrated over 100 books, and his work was also used to create posters, prints, and sculptures. His illustrations are known for their dramatic realism, their attention to detail, and their use of light and shadow.

Condition Report: Minor light staining in top and right top margins. Good.

Subject References: 191