Abram Instructing Sarah–Abram Parting from Lot, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" 1865 - 1881

Thomas Dalziel made this wood engraving, "Abram Instructing Sarah–Abram Parting from Lot," sometime in the 19th century. It was one of many illustrations created for "Dalziels' Bible Gallery". This print reflects Victorian Britain's complex relationship with religion and empire. The Dalziel brothers, as prolific engravers, played a key role in disseminating biblical imagery throughout British society. Their Bible Gallery aimed to offer moral guidance through art, reinforcing the values of the time. The images of Abram and Sarah evoke an idealized vision of patriarchal authority and domestic virtue, common in Victorian interpretations of the Bible. Considering the Dalziel brothers' place within the art world, it's interesting to note their contribution to both popular and fine art. Their work appeared in periodicals, books, and exhibitions, blurring the lines between high and low culture. To fully understand this image, one might research the Dalziel family's business practices and the market for religious art in 19th-century Britain. The print offers a glimpse into the social and institutional forces that shaped artistic production and consumption during this era.