Gustave Doré, half-length portrait, seated with right arm resting on chair, facing slightly right

Gustave Dore (1832-1883) was a French painter, illustrator and engraver. He is best known for his detailed and dramatic illustrations of classic literature, including Dante's Divine Comedy, Cervantes' Don Quixote and the Bible. Dore's work was characterised by his intricate line work and his ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of a scene. He was also a prolific painter, producing large-scale works depicting historical and mythological subjects. Despite his success during his lifetime, Dore died in relative obscurity and his work was largely forgotten until the mid-20th century, when it experienced a resurgence in popularity.