Korah Swallowed Up, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" 1865 - 1881

Frederick Richard Pickersgill made this engraving, “Korah Swallowed Up,” as part of “Dalziels’ Bible Gallery,” a project begun in the 1860s. This was a period when illustrated Bibles and books were common in middle-class Victorian homes. Pickersgill visualizes the moment when Korah and his followers are punished for their rebellion against Moses. The image draws heavily on well-established visual codes. Moses, with his long beard and outstretched arm, resembles traditional depictions of Old Testament prophets. The swirling vortex consuming Korah conveys the chaos and divine retribution visited upon those who challenge religious authority. Understanding the image requires us to investigate the role of religion in Victorian society, the publishing industry, and the public appetite for moralizing narratives. Studying the history of biblical illustration helps reveal how artists like Pickersgill shaped and reinforced particular interpretations of scripture for a wide audience.