Dschemila outwits the Ogre Henry Justice Ford (1860-1941)

Here we observe a dramatic scene rendered in black and white illustration style. The composition is dominated by two figures: a woman standing upright and an ogre sprawled on the ground. A fire burns intensely at their feet, casting flickering light and contributing to the overall sense of tension.
The woman, presumably the protagonist, stands confidently amidst the chaos. She holds aloft a lamp, its flame illuminating her face and creating a stark contrast with the surrounding darkness. Her posture is erect, suggesting authority and control over the situation. The garment she wears appears classical in style, hinting at a narrative rooted in folklore or mythology. A staff held firmly in her other hand reinforces this sense of power and perhaps symbolizes wisdom or guidance.
The ogre lies prone, seemingly incapacitated by the fire. His form is bulky and grotesque, with exaggerated features that emphasize his monstrous nature. The artist has rendered him in a way that conveys both physical size and vulnerability; he appears to be trapped and helpless. A large pot sits near him, suggesting a meal preparation interrupted or perhaps a trap set for him.
The flames themselves are meticulously detailed, their swirling patterns adding dynamism to the image. They serve not only as a source of light but also as a visual representation of danger and transformation. The surrounding darkness is equally important; it isolates the figures and amplifies the drama unfolding within the illuminated space.
Subtly, the drawing suggests themes of cunning versus brute force. The woman’s intelligence and resourcefulness are contrasted with the ogres reliance on physical power. There is a sense that she has outsmarted him, using her wit to overcome a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. The fire could be interpreted as symbolic of purification or destruction – perhaps representing the vanquishing of evil through cleverness.
The overall effect is one of suspense and resolution, typical of illustrations accompanying narratives intended for a younger audience. The stark contrast in light and shadow, combined with the expressive rendering of the figures, creates a compelling visual narrative that invites interpretation and engagement.