Apple Mail: large .png files causing CPU spike & lag

I was sent two large .png file by email (8 MB total). When viewing the email within Apple Mail, the images are automatically displayed and are causing a huge amount of lag. While I have the email selected, Activity Monitor reports two processes that are gobbling up CPU usage:

QuickLookUIService (Finder) 80% CPU

QuickLookSatellite 120% CPU

If I ‘close’ the email by select a different email, the CPU usage does not seem to return to normal. However, if I struggle through the lag, right click each image and select “View as Icon,” the CPU usage for these processes drops. However, if I deselect the email and return to it, the images are no longer Icons and the lag returns, so this is not a long-term solution.

I also think there might be a link between the downloaded images, which have the link to the Mail app. I’m not sure what the links to Mail apps are formally called, but they have a little Mail icon next to their file name and retain information about the Sender. When opened in Preview, these mail-linked files also come with the annoying message "An older version of this document is available" ...a rant for another time...

Seems strange that two 4 Mb .png images would wreak havoc like this, so I assume this a bug...

Are there any solutions others than deleting the email?

System Information:

macOS Sonoma 14.3.1

Mac mini M2, 2023

Also, it looks like there isn't a Topic/Forum for the Mail App, so I've selected MacOS Sonoma instead...