Newgate Exercise Yard by Gustave Dore

Newgate Exercise yard by Gustave Dore, from ‘London: A pilgrimage’ by Gustave Dore and Blanchard Jerrold – 1872

The illustration I am analysing in order to explore prison reformation is Newgate Exercise Yard by Gustave Dore, from ‘London: A pilgrimage’ by Gustave Dore and Blanchard Jerrold – 1872. There are several factors which add to the strikingly atmospheric feel of this image. Since the prisoners are all male, it seems the prison has been reformed. The mundane depiction of the circular motion implies that the prison enforces a strict routine and that such activities are a frequent occurrence. This can be interpreted from the body language of the prisoners, as their hunched positions and blank facial expressions allow us to empathise with their apathy.

The body language of the prison officers similarly provides us with some insight. Their folded arms reaffirm their authority within the prison and create a definite contrast between the prisoners and those in charge. Although some may argue that this could also display class differences, the Museum of London website provided some useful information on this subject. They acknowledge how Jerrold explains that within the exercise yard, he observed a prisoner who had been a colonel in the English army.  Jerrold continues, noting that ‘the main body of the prisoners were in the garb of gentlemen…those who will not work, and cannot honestly live without work, are of all classes’’.

The image has been influential and was later copied by Van Gogh.

‘Prisoners’ Round’ (1890) by Vincent van Gogh – painted while he was staying at the asylum in Saint-Rémy

Works citied:

http://www.museumoflondonprints.com/image/143200/gustave-dore-newgate-exercise-yard-1872