Moses Slaying the Egyptian, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" 1863 - 1881

Edward John Poynter created this wood engraving titled "Moses Slaying the Egyptian" as part of "Dalziels' Bible Gallery". The image depicts a pivotal moment of rebellion and justice. Moses, traditionally a symbol of liberation, is shown here enacting a violent response to the suffering of his people. We see him in a moment of rage, standing over the Egyptian he has slain, whose body is slumped against a brick wall, books scattered at his feet. Reflecting on this piece, it's impossible to ignore the historical and cultural context of British Imperialism, in which the artist was working, and how this moment of violence might have been viewed, as well as the artist's own position of power. Does the image glorify the avenging hero, or does it question the cost of resistance and consider how we negotiate power, oppression, and the moral complexities of liberation? Consider what this image might mean for those who have historically been oppressed and whose stories are often left out of traditional narratives.