The Monkey and The Dolphin | Gustave Doré | 1867

Gustave Doré's illustration for "The Monkey and The Dolphin" from around 1867 depicts a scene from the fable by Aesop. In this artwork, a strange looking dolphin swims through the sea, carrying a monkey on its back. The monkey, adorned in human-like attire, gestures animatedly, as if speaking. The ocean waves around them are turbulent, adding a sense of movement and intensity to the scene. Doré’s intricate linework and attention to detail capture the whimsical yet cautionary nature of the fable, highlighting the themes of vanity and deceit.