5 Legendary Books Brought to Life by Gustave Dore

Gustave Doré, the famous 19th-century French artist, is one of the most influential illustrators of his time. His detailed engravings and dramatic compositions have brought literary masterpieces to life, including The Divine Comedy, Paradise Lost, and Don Quixote.

One of Doré’s greatest contributions to art history is his illustrated books. His engravings have left a lasting impression, enriching classic texts with spectacular imagery. Some of his most famous works include:  

- The Holy Bible according to the Vulgate (La Grande Bible de Tours,1866) – A monumental interpretation of biblical stories, where every page vibrates with dramatic intensity. Gustave Doré gained international recognition through the illustrated edition of La Sainte Bible selon la Vulgate, published by Alfred Mame in Tours in 1866. The work was later released in numerous European cities and the United States. For these two luxurious folio volumes, intended for a bourgeois clientele, Doré created 312 drawings, of which 294 were engraved and 265 were ultimately used.

- Dante’s Inferno (1861) – A gripping descent into Dante’s tormented universe, with unforgettable images that continue to define the poem’s visual identity.  

In 1855, at just twenty-three years old, Gustave Doré aspired to illustrate literary masterpieces in the form of lavish folio editions. Dante would be the first on this ambitious list. Unable to find a publisher willing to take a risk on such a costly endeavor led by a young artist, Doré decided to finance the publication of Inferno himself. His gamble paid off—the book, published in 1861 by Hachette, was a resounding success, allowing him to begin realizing his youthful dream.

The edition featured seventy-five full-page illustrations, engraved on wood by various artisans, transforming the text into a series of striking black-and-white tableaux. Doré’s marketing strategy, which involved exhibiting a selection of preparatory drawings in several Parisian venues, created anticipation among the public. Demand was so high that the entire print run of three thousand copies quickly sold out.

Few illustrators had dared to tackle Dante’s work before Doré, whose fascination with the text dated back to 1855. Inferno became a revelation of his visionary and fantastical imagination. As Théophile Gautier famously remarked, Doré “invented the climate of Hell.”

“Then my terror redoubled at the sight of the abyss” Song XVII, verse 121

- Don Quixote (1863) – One of the most iconic editions of Cervantes’ novel, in which Doré captures the adventures of the Knight of the Sorrowful Face with breathtaking detail.  

In 1855, Gustave Doré included Don Quixote by Cervantes on his ideal list of literary masterpieces to illustrate as lavish folio editions. The two volumes, published by Hachette in 1863, featured 377 drawings, including 120 full-page illustrations, all engraved on wood by Héliodore Pisan—a testament to the illustrator’s trust in his engraver. The result of this remarkable collaboration was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite its high cost, the book was a great success.

In 1869, a new popular edition released in 80 installments made Doré’s illustrations accessible to a wider audience. Before him, several artists had already taken on the challenge of illustrating Cervantes' work, notably Tony Johannot, Grandville, and Daumier, whose paintings depicted the novel’s themes.

Doré’s 1862 journey to Spain with his friend Charles Davillier, a connoisseur of the country, along with his work sessions with Louis Viardot, the translator of Cervantes’ text, played a crucial role in shaping his vision. However, more than anything, it was his love for fantasy and the grotesque that made his depiction of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza one of his greatest masterpieces.

"His imagination filled up with everything he had read". Volume 1, Chapter 1

- Orlando Furioso (1877) – Ludovico Ariosto’s chivalric epic is brought to life through Doré’s masterful illustrations. His engravings are filled with epic battles, fantastical creatures, and dreamlike landscapes, capturing the grandeur and complexity of the original text.  

Orlando Furioso (translated as The Frenzy of Orlando) is a monumental epic poem by the Italian Renaissance writer Ludovico Ariosto, first published in 1516 and expanded in later editions. A continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo’s Orlando Innamorato, this masterpiece blends chivalric romance, adventure, and mythology with rich satire and psychological depth.

The poem follows the knight Orlando, a valiant paladin of Charlemagne, who descends into madness after being consumed by his unrequited love for the beautiful Angelica. Alongside Orlando’s tragic passion, Ariosto weaves a vast tapestry of intertwining stories, including the heroic exploits of Ruggiero and Bradamante, the conflicts between Christians and Saracens, and magical elements such as enchanted castles and mystical creatures.

Renowned for its imaginative storytelling, intricate structure, and elegant verse, Orlando Furioso influenced generations of writers, from Shakespeare and Spenser to Cervantes and Voltaire. It remains one of the most celebrated works of Italian literature, admired for its wit, fantasy, and profound reflections on love, honor, and destiny.

- The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1876) – Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s legendary poem is elevated by Doré’s haunting engravings, which perfectly translate the dramatic tension and supernatural atmosphere of the story. Each image immerses the reader in the cursed sailor’s hallucinatory journey, intensifying the poem’s mystery and poetry.  

These works showcase Doré’s exceptional ability to translate narrative power into unforgettable imagery. Our Gustave Doré prints allow you to rediscover these illustrations and make them the centerpiece of your decor.  

Why Choose our Prints? 

At Wallango, we offer faithful reproductions of Doré’s masterpieces, printed on premium paper for the best possible quality. Whether you’re a lover of classical art or an enthusiast of illustrated literature, our Gustave Doré prints blend seamlessly with any interior style.  

• Premium archival-quality print on thick, matte paper
• Faithful reproduction with sharp details and deep contrasts
• Available in multiple sizes to fit your space
• Perfect for home decor, office spaces, and libraries