Cushi Brings to David News of the Death of Absalom, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" 1881

William Small created this wood engraving titled, *Cushi Brings to David News of the Death of Absalom*, as part of "Dalziels' Bible Gallery". The image illustrates a biblical scene from the Old Testament. It depicts the moment when King David receives news of his son Absalom's death. Small's illustration can be viewed through the lens of 19th-century British Imperialism. As Absalom led a rebellion against his father, his death could be interpreted as a necessary sacrifice for the stability of the kingdom, justifying the often brutal actions of the British Empire. In this historical context, the raw emotionality that is on display invites contemplation on the personal cost of leadership and the weight of decisions made in the name of power. The print evokes not just a narrative of biblical proportions, but also the human drama of familial conflict.