The artwork titled “Jael Kills Sisera,” created by Gustave Doré in 1866, is a religious painting belonging to the Romanticism art movement. It is part of the series “The Holy Bible.”
The artwork depicts a dramatic biblical scene from the Book of Judges. Jael, the wife of Heber, stands assertively in the foreground, holding a hammer, having just driven a tent peg into the head of Sisera, who lies lifeless on the ground. The intense moment is captured with striking detail, emphasizing the gravity of Jael’s action. The dark, heavy use of shading and the dynamic composition heighten the tension and drama, characteristics typical of Romanticism. In the background, soldiers can be barely discerned, highlighting the tumultuous context of the scene. The overall atmosphere of the artwork is one of solemn intensity, portraying a pivotal moment of bravery and decisiveness.
