1. Technique: Doré's illustrations are highly detailed and realistic, employing a variety of techniques such as etching, engraving, and woodcuts. He rendered precise lines, shading, and textures to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. Blake, on the other hand, used a more painterly style, combining watercolor, pen and ink, and etching. His illustrations are often less detailed but more expressive, with bold lines and washes of color.
2. Composition: Doré's compositions are typically grand and panoramic, often encompassing entire scenes or landscapes within a single frame. He paid meticulous attention to the arrangement and positioning of figures and objects, creating a sense of drama and movement. Blake's compositions are frequently more intimate, focusing on specific moments or interactions between characters. His illustrations are often more symbolic and less literal in their interpretation of the text.
3. Perspective: Doré's illustrations often feature a clear perspective that guides the viewer's gaze through the scene, drawing attention to important elements and events. Blake's illustrations, however, often employ unusual perspectives, employing high viewpoints or unconventional angles to create a more subjective and personal experience for the viewer.
4. Symbolism: While both artists used symbolism in their illustrations, Doré's symbols tend to be more conventional and easily recognizable, drawing on traditional religious iconography and medieval imagery. Blake, on the other hand, employed a more personal and idiosyncratic symbolism, incorporating elements from his own mythology and visionary experiences.
In essence, Doré's illustrations are characterized by their refined technique, grand compositions, and emphasis on realism, while Blake's illustrations embrace a more expressive style, symbolic language, and unconventional perspectives, reflecting the distinct artistic visions and interpretations of these two master artists.