The artwork titled “The Benjaminites Take the Virgins of Jabesh-gilead” is a religious painting by the renowned artist Gustave DorĂ©, created during the Romanticism art movement. This piece is part of the series entitled “The Holy Bible” and portrays a biblical scene.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and somber moment where the Benjaminites are seen taking the virgins of Jabesh-gilead. The visual narrative is vivid, capturing the movement and emotions of the figures involved. The Benjaminites, in the midst of a chaotic scene, are shown seizing the women, who display varied expressions of fear and resistance. The detailed rendering of the figures and their surroundings exemplifies DorĂ©’s mastery in conveying complex emotions and dynamics through his engravings. The use of light and shadow adds depth to the scene, highlighting the figures against a stark landscape. This historical and religious tableau is a poignant illustration of a significant event described in the Bible.