The Oak and the Reed – Gustave Doré Art Print | La Fontaine’s Fables

This museum-quality art print showcases Gustave Doré’s dramatic interpretation of The Oak and the Reed, one of the most iconic fables by Jean de La Fontaine. First published in 1867, the image embodies the moral contrast between pride and humility.

In Doré’s engraving, the mighty oak—a symbol of strength—faces a devastating storm. Personified and towering, it appears broken or about to fall, while the humble reed, smaller and supple, bends with the wind and survives.

Doré turns this simple natural allegory into a vivid emotional drama. The wild, swirling lines and deep shadows heighten the tension of the storm, making the message of the fable visually unforgettable.

Our high-resolution reproduction respects the fine details of Doré’s original wood engraving, printed on thick, archival-quality paper.

Want to explore more? Read our article on Doré’s Fables: Gustave Doré and the Dark Poetry of La Fontaine’s Fables

About your art print : The Oak and the Reed by Gustave Doré

• Premium-quality art poster

• Faithful reproduction from the original 19th-century engraving

• Museum-grade matte paper

• Multiple sizes available

• Printed in Europe, free worldwide shipping

Customization & Fine Art Paper Option :

Feel free to contact me if you’d like the image adapted to fit a specific frame or if you’d like the width of the white margins adjusted.
I also offer prints on Hahnemühle German Etching Fine Art paper — please get in touch for pricing details.

Hahnemühle German Etching
German Etching by Hahnemühle is a thick, slightly warm white paper with an exceptional velvety texture. It produces rich, high-contrast Fine Art prints with intense colors and deep blacks. Thanks to its surface texture, it absorbs more ink and captures light beautifully.
One of our heaviest Fine Art papers, it is known for its felt-like texture and artisanal look. This robust paper does not fray easily at the edges, giving each print a handcrafted, museum-quality finish.