The Hidden Treasure (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ) 1864

Sir John Everett Millais created this print, "The Hidden Treasure," part of "The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." This was during a time when religious and moral themes were prominent in Victorian art. Millais, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, often explored themes of morality and salvation, deeply resonating with the religious sentiments of the Victorian era. In this print, we see a figure kneeling in a field, seemingly fixated on something in the soil, while oxen wait patiently nearby. The image may present the idea of unexpected rewards and the value of seeking inner riches rather than material wealth. The kneeling figure could represent anyone from any walk of life discovering something profound in their ordinary existence. Millais uses a traditional biblical narrative to reflect societal values and reinforce spiritual beliefs. The emotional focus on discovery and spiritual awakening invites us to consider our own searches for meaning. How do we find value in unexpected places, and what does it mean to uncover a hidden treasure within ourselves?