Jael Kills Sisera 1866

"Jael Kills Sisera" is a powerful 1866 engraving by Gustave Doré depicting a scene from the Book of Judges in the Bible. The artwork shows Jael, a woman of the Kenites, standing over the defeated Sisera, a Canaanite general, who is lying on the ground. Jael is depicted holding a tent peg in her hand, symbolic of the act of killing Sisera by driving the peg into his head while he slept, as described in the Bible. Doré's engraving captures the dramatic moment with great detail and a sense of tension, highlighting the strength and courage of Jael, who becomes a celebrated heroine for her actions. This artwork, like many of Doré’s, is known for its dramatic narrative depiction and use of realistic detail.