This reproduction of the "Vale of Tears" by Gustave Doré was painted on a huge canvas in the last year of the artist's life.

The title comes from Psalm 83: "Blessed is the man whose help is from thee: in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps, In the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set. For the lawgiver shall give a blessing, they shall go from virtue to virtue: the God of gods shall be seen in Sion." (Ps. 83:6-8)

It shows Christ partially up a mountain side, carrying his cross, turned back and beckoning the people in the valley to follow him, as if to say, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mt. 16:23). Yet he beckons with such a glow of warmth and sweetness that He also seems to say, "Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light." (Mt. 11:28-30)

The people in the valley are from all ranks, and ages and walks of life: men, women, and children, shepherds, kings, soldiers, infirm, and so many more. All of them are wearied, some fainting away, and some on the ground as if dead. Mothers embrace their children in joy at the sight of Christ, others throw up their hands in celebration, and others point the way to Him. 

The artist, Gustave Doré (1832-1883) was a French engraver, painter, caricature artist, political cartoonist, and illustrator. In his youth he showed an exceptional talent for the arts and was producing published works by the age of 15. He produced a massive volume of work over his 50 years, and never married. He lived with his mother his whole life, and died, heartbroken, shortly after she passed. 

This image comes as a high-quality canvas print in a wood frame with a gold finish.

~Sizes listed are of the image only~

( NW-4156-1 )