Art, Symbol & Imagination
Michael’s Angels Keep Watch
A pale company stands upon a raised ridge while fallen bodies and weapons cover the lower ground. Their upright forms remain sharply distinct against a dark sky and distant water. The caption identifies Michael and his angels encamping and setting their watches in Book VI. Doré opposes the standing order of the guard to the tangled shapes beneath it. The ridge becomes both a physical elevation and a position of responsibility, keeping vigilance visible as a shared stance. The plate treats the aftermath of battle as something still requiring attention rather than simple celebration.
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Citation
Gustave Doré (design). "Michael’s Angels Keep Watch" [editorial title]. In Paradise Lost: Illustrated by Gustave Doré, John Milton; illustrated by Gustave Doré; edited by Henry C. Walsh. Undated John W. Lovell Company edition; exact publication year unverified, undated edition, John W. Lovell Company. Source scan leaf 180. Lumitheca. /gallery/image/milton-dore-179
Source details
Editorial title and description. Source details from the Library catalogue.
Original source design and caption inspected; composition retained with scan margins trimmed. No reconstructed or recoloured details.
Sources
From the book
Paradise Lost: Illustrated by Gustave DoréJohn Milton; illustrated by Gustave Doré; edited by Henry C. WalshUndated editionMore from this book
All 40 illustrations
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Cite this illustration
Gustave Doré (design). Michael’s Angels Keep Watch. Paradise Lost: Illustrated by Gustave Doré. Scan leaf 180. Lumitheca. https://lumitheca.com/gallery/image/milton-dore-179