Gustave Doré: The Neophyte (First Experience of the Monastery), (1866-1868)

(Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, USA)

Gustave Doré is famous for his drawings for books like The Bible, Don Quixote, The Raven, Paradise Lost, Divine Comedy and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. He also produced several paintings. This is a rather haunting painting by Doré. On the painting we can see a group of monks, probably singing or praying together. In the middle there is a young monk. He is a neophyte, someone who has just joined the group. The contrast between the older monks and the young monk are very impressive. Painting from 1866-1868.