Moses Slaying the Egyptians Edward John Poynter (1836-1919)

The drawing presents a scene of violent confrontation within what appears to be a brick-making workshop. A powerfully built figure dominates the composition; he is depicted in mid-action, wielding a heavy object – likely a stone or club – with an extended arm towards a man who lies prone on the ground. The aggressor’s muscular physique and dark, curly hair suggest a forceful character, while his partially exposed torso emphasizes his physical dominance. He wears what seems to be a simple cloth draped around his waist, revealing considerable musculature.
The victim is positioned in a vulnerable posture, clutching at his head with one hand as he anticipates the impact of the blow. His face registers pain and distress, though it’s difficult to discern precise emotion due to the stylistic conventions of the drawing. He too wears simple garments, indicating a working-class status. The setting itself – a workshop filled with bricks, tools, and partially constructed structures – provides context for the event; it suggests an environment of labor and potential oppression.
The artist has employed strong chiaroscuro effects to heighten the drama. Light falls primarily on the aggressor’s body and face, emphasizing his strength and determination, while the victim is largely shrouded in shadow, underscoring his helplessness. The background details – palm trees, buildings, and a vine-covered trellis – add depth to the scene and suggest an arid, possibly desert landscape.
Subtleties within the composition hint at deeper meanings. The scattered bricks and tools around the fallen man could symbolize disruption or rebellion against established order. The aggressor’s posture conveys not only physical force but also a sense of righteous anger or perhaps even desperation. The scene seems to depict an act of defiance, potentially motivated by injustice or oppression. The drawings stark contrast between light and shadow reinforces this narrative of conflict and struggle, leaving the viewer to contemplate the moral complexities inherent in acts of violence undertaken for what is perceived as a just cause.