Abraham and Isaac, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" 1863 - 1881

Curator: This engraving, "Abraham and Isaac" by Simeon Solomon, hails from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" and was produced sometime between 1863 and 1881. Editor: There's a haunting stillness to this print. The delicate lines create a very palpable sense of melancholy, almost foreboding, hanging heavy in the air. Curator: Solomon’s rendering of the biblical narrative offers us a potent lens through which to explore Victorian anxieties about faith and sacrifice, particularly within the framework of familial and societal expectations. The palpable tension and grief between father and son become representative of the spiritual and emotional toll exacted by adherence to religious dogma. Editor: I see your point about religious dogma, but Solomon seems more interested in exploring a deeply intimate and tragic relationship between two figures caught in a web of conflicting duties and loyalties. I am fascinated by how the artist emphasizes the youthfulness of Isaac juxtaposed with Abraham's weary stance. What might be interpreted through a queer theory lens? Curator: Exactly. Queer readings open up dialogues around alternative representations of masculinity and the complexities of male bonds, disrupting traditional heteronormative interpretations of the story. Consider how the pre-Raphaelite aesthetic intersects with homoerotic undertones that challenges Victorian conventions. It disrupts what compulsory heterosexuality should look like. Editor: This work gained traction at a time when printed images circulated widely, influencing public opinion and shaping perceptions of historical and religious narratives. The distribution networks would have reached many people. Curator: Placing this print within the larger socio-political context of Victorian England reveals the pervasive influence of religious ideology and its profound impact on individual lives and interpersonal relationships, themes which sadly continue to resonate today. Editor: Ultimately, Solomon’s work stands as a potent meditation on faith, obedience, and the enduring bonds of affection tested by impossible demands. Curator: Agreed. A painful and tragically relevant visual poem on patriarchy.