Drawing upon many years of experience in teaching 'The Bible and the Arts', J. Cheryl Exum explores the exegetical potential of Biblical depiction in the art of the Old Masters, and European painting from the early modern period.

First assessing the importance that Biblical imagery holds in changing critical opinion, Exum then focuses on numerous depictions of Hagar, capitalizing on her vulnerability, her abuse and the divine visitations made to her, emphasising the influence such imagery has on the interpretation of her narrative. Further attention is paid to the voyeuristic elements of Biblical art, the victory of Jael, Deborah and Barak, the notoriety of female depiction and the concept of the Sacrificial Female Body. Exum argues for the contributions that such analysis can make to research, teaching and interdisciplinary potential.