The Departure of the Israelites–Destruction of Pharoah and His Host, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery"

This wood engraving captures one of the most dramatic moments in the Book of Exodus: the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army as the Israelites escape Egyptian bondage. Created for the ambitious Victorian publishing project "Dalziels' Bible Gallery," this print exemplifies the era's fascination with biblical illustration and the technical mastery of wood engraving. The Dalziel Brothers were celebrated engravers who collaborated with leading artists of the day to create illustrations that brought scripture to vivid life for Victorian audiences.

Printed on India paper—a thin, delicate material that allowed for exceptionally fine detail—and then mounted on card for stability, this engraving demonstrates the sophisticated printing techniques of the 1860s. The composition likely depicts the dual narrative suggested by the title: the Israelites' triumphant departure in one portion of the image, contrasted with the catastrophic engulfment of Pharaoh's forces in the waters. Wood engraving, which involved carving away the wood to leave raised lines that would hold ink, enabled the reproduction of intricate details and dramatic tonal contrasts that made these biblical scenes come alive. The "Dalziels' Bible Gallery" was eventually published in 1881 after years of preparation, representing one of the finest achievements in Victorian book illustration and a testament to the period's desire to make religious narratives accessible and visually compelling.