‘Cain and Abel,’ by Frederic Leighton

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Cain and Abel

Frederic Leighton

Produced after 1863, but not published until 1880–81

Proof wood engraving cut by the Dalziel Brothers, printed on India paper

7 x 6 ¼ inches

Illustration in Dalziels’ Bible Gallery.

Plate 1. This powerful design depicts the immediate aftermath of Cain’s murder of his brother Abel (Genesis 4: 1–16). [Commentary continues below.]

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Leighton compresses several events into one frame: the killing has been done, with Abel’s body lying on rocky ground which has instantly been rendered infertile by God as a punishment for Cain. Leighton also adds implications of his own. The original text indicates that Cain does not have any remorse, as exemplified by his denial that he is his brother’s keeper, but Leighton endows him with a pose suggestive of shame as he awkwardly climbs down the rock, his face concealed as if he is unable to gaze on his crime. The unforgiving landscape, made up of rough stone, fissures, and wilted plants, further implies his psychological ruination, and acts as a visual reference to the Expulsion from Paradise as Adam and Eve (his parents) leave the fertility of Eden behind them. The contrasting textures of taut muscles, rock, and fur are brilliantly rendered by the Dalziels’ cutting.

Bibliography

Dalziels’ Bible Gallery. London: Routledge, 1881 [1880].

Created 23 June 2026