The artwork titled “Ugolino,” crafted by Gustave Doré, belongs to the Romanticism movement and falls within the illustration genre. It is part of the notable series “The Divine Comedy.” The illustration vividly captures a scene of immense emotional intensity and despair.
In the artwork, the viewer is confronted with a grim dungeon setting, where a group of figures lies in abject misery on the cold, stone floor. The primary focus is on Count Ugolino, who is portrayed in a state of profound suffering and resignation. The light filtering through a small barred window casts a narrow beam into the otherwise shadowy and oppressive space, highlighting the agonizing expressions and gaunt figures of the imprisoned characters. Every line and detail is meticulously rendered, emphasizing the textures of the rough stone walls and the figures’ frail, tormented forms, evoking a strong sense of empathy and sorrow in the viewer.