Artwork
Rue de la Vieille lanterne (The Suicide of Gérard de Nerval)
Rue de la Vieille lanterne (The Suicide of Gérard de Nerval) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Gustave Doré. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in image: G Doré; lower right in image: L'éternité profonde / Souriait dans vos yeux / Flambeaux éteints du monde / Rallumez-vous aux cieux / G. N.
- Markings
- Marked:[blue rhombus with "DD"], verso lower right.
About this work
Overview
Rue de la Vieille lanterne (The Suicide of Gérard de Nerval) is a 1855 lithograph by Gustave Doré, printed on chine collé on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the aftermath of a suicide, with a lifeless figure hanging from a beam. Onlookers gather around, their faces reflecting shock and sadness. The scene conveys a sense of tragedy and loss, referencing the real-life death of poet Gérard de Nerval.
Technique & Style
Doré's use of dark colors and dramatic lighting creates a somber atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the scene. The lithograph's tone and mood are characteristic of Realist art, which emphasizes truthful representation of everyday life and often explores themes of mortality and social concern.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré was a French printmaker, illustrator, painter, comics artist, caricaturist, and sculptor.
- The Triumph of Death: Proclamation (Le triomphe de la mort: La proclamation)
Le château de la mort (The House of the Dead)
Et celui qui était monté dessus se nommait la Mort (And his name that sat on him was Death)
Le château de la mort (The House of the Dead)
After the Visit (Après sa visite)
Essay on Stone with Brush and Scraper: Chase on the Winding Staircase
Which One? (Lequel?)
Importunate (Importune)
Le dernier jour d'un condamne
Le Vice suprème: Frontispiece
The Duel (Le duel)
Musician (Musicienne)