French book about Marie Antoinette, by Saint Charles with engravings

Description

This book about the beheaded queen of France, measuring 25 x 35 cm and measuring 650 pages, is highly illustrated with engravings and was most likely printed in Gustave Dore's studio.

The spine shows some wear that can be forgiven, as the book dates from 1890.

Gustave Doré was a true genius of the 19th century, an illustrator who transformed the art of engraving into something spectacular. He was born in Strasbourg in 1832, and from a young age he displayed boundless talent for drawing. What made him truly special was his ability to create fantastical worlds and epic scenes with an impressive level of detail.

His illustrations were not simple images, but authentic visual narratives that brought to life the stories of authors such as Dante, Cervantes, Milton and the Bible.

If you've ever seen his prints, you'll know they have a dramatic, contrasting style. His deep shadows and expressive characters make each image seem like something out of a dream (or a nightmare, depending on the subject). One of his most famous works is his interpretation of Dante's Inferno, where he managed to capture chaos and despair with incredible mastery.

He also illustrated Don Quixote, and his drawings of the knight errant and his faithful squire Sancho Panza are among the most iconic.
Doré didn't limit himself to books; he also explored painting and sculpture, although his strongest legacy remains printmaking. His influence has extended to film and pop culture, inspiring artists and directors with his dark and detailed style. If you like art with a touch of mystery and grandeur, you should definitely check out his works.