The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones (from The Vision of Purgatory by Dante Alighieri)
Print, wood engraving on paper • Gustave Doré (Original artist); H. Pisan (Frequent engraver collaboration)
Style & Movement
Romanticism / Symbolism with Gothic influences
Medium & Technique
Wood engraving; a relief printing technique using a fine-grained wood block cut on the end grain, permitting high levels of detail and dramatic tonal contrasts through fine cross-hatching and stippling.
Creation Period
Circa 1860s (originally created for the 1861 illustrated edition of Dante's Divine Comedy)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches (plate size), vertical portrait format, mounted in a modern blue mat.
Subject Description
A dramatic scene depicting muscular, mythological, or biblical figures amidst a dark, cavernous setting. A concentrated beam of light strikes a central reclining figure, illustrating themes of resurrection, revelation, or divine intervention within a dark landscape.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. The print appears intact, but there is visible light foxing and yellowing of the paper indicative of age and past exposure to acidity.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $250 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely extracted from a 19th-century luxury folio edition of 'The Divine Comedy' (Purgatory). Common in private collections and print dealer inventories from the mid-20th century onward.
Art Historical Significance
Gustave Doré was the most successful illustrator of the 19th century. His Dante illustrations redefined visual interpretations of the 'Divine Comedy' for the modern era, influencing film, contemporary art, and graphic novels.
Notable Features
Exacting linework typical of Doré's Purgatorio series; signature dramatic 'chiaroscuro' lighting effects achieved through extremely dense engraving patterns.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots), minor toning/browning of the paper, and slight waviness in the paper support. Possible acidic staining from the current mounting board.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current acidic blue mat board. Remount using acid-free, museum-grade materials. Frame behind UV-protective glass and keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further yellowing.