The Five Kings Hiding in the Cave

Thomas Dalziel

Date uncertain: 1863–1880

Proof wood engraving cut by the Dalziel Brothers, printed on India paper

9 x 7½ inches

Illustration in Dalziels’ Bible Gallery, no page or image numbers

The five kings are shown hiding after their defeat at Makkedah Joshua 10: 16–17. Dalziel emphasises their costumes, while endowing four of them with worried facial expressions as they contemplate Joshua’s likely revenge; the fifth, fast asleep, has drunk himself into torpor. The darkened, rugged setting adds a note of menace and uncertainty.

Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke. [Click on the image to enlarge it, and mouse over the text for links.]