Paul Gustave Dore, “The Neophyte (First Experience of the Monastery)”, Oil on Canvas, 1866-68, 57 x 107 Inches, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, Virginia

Gustave Doré is famous for his drawings for books like The Bible, Don Quixote, The Raven, Paradise Lost, Divine Comedy and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. He also produced several paintings. This is a rather haunting painting by Doré. On the painting we can see a group of monks, probably singing or praying together. In the middle there is a young monk. He is a neophyte, someone who has just joined the group. The contrast between the older monks and the young monk enhances the known inexperience of the neophyte.