The Gazelle cuts off the Serpentes Heads Henry Justice Ford (1860-1941)

Here we observe a monochrome illustration rendered in a detailed, cross-hatching style. The composition is dominated by a central confrontation between a gazelle and multiple serpents. The gazelle, positioned on the right side of the frame, appears poised and alert, its head tilted as if in motion toward the snakes. Its posture suggests both grace and determination.
The serpents are depicted in varying states of attack and defense. Several coil around each other at the lower left corner, their scales meticulously rendered with dense cross-hatching that creates a sense of texture and volume. One serpent is shown mid-strike, its jaws agape toward the gazelle’s head. The artist has emphasized the serpentine forms through dynamic curves and sinuous lines, conveying a feeling of threat and potential danger.
A cloud of what appears to be smoke or vapor rises from behind the scene, obscuring the background and adding an element of mystery. This visual device could signify chaos, transformation, or perhaps even a symbolic representation of conflict. A rectangular structure is visible on the right edge of the image, partially framing the gazelle; its purpose remains ambiguous but it introduces a sense of enclosure or constraint to the scene.
The title inscribed at the bottom, The Gazelle cuts off the Serpents Heads, provides narrative context and suggests that the depicted action represents an act of defiance or liberation. The subtext likely explores themes of vulnerability versus strength, innocence confronting malice, and perhaps even a symbolic victory over adversity. The stark contrast between the delicate form of the gazelle and the menacing presence of the serpents creates visual tension and invites contemplation on the nature of power and survival.