Victory O Lord! 1871

Sir John Everett Millais made this oil on canvas, titled ‘Victory O Lord!’, and inspired by a passage from the Book of Exodus. Millais, emerging from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, became a beacon of Victorian art. The painting illustrates Moses during the battle against the Amalekites; when he lowers his hands, Israel is defeated. We see him supported by Aaron and Hur, their weary arms upholding the staff of God. There is an undeniable tension between the men and the landscape, as the weight of leadership and divine will converge. Millais’ choice to depict this biblical scene reflects the Victorian era's fascination with religious and moral themes. The painting explores faith, perseverance, and the burdens of leadership. The image offers a potent reflection on the relationship between the body, belief, and social duty.