This item is a steel engraving of the painting by Jean Leon Gerome called “GREEKS AT PRAYER.”  It was etched by R.A. Rajon and published in 1880.  The engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 9 ¼” x 6 ¾”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

   The print is the result of the combined genius of two artists, each of whom occupies a distinguished place at the head of his profession. M. Jean Leon Gerome is so well known as a painter that to endeavour to exalt him among his artistic brethren would be like “gilding refined gold,” at least in his especial departments, for he ventures into more than one, and is almost equally successful in whatever he undertakes. M. Rajon’s etching-needle has gained for him a reputation that has extended far beyond his own country, and is as brilliant and effective in its touch as is the painter’s palette in its colors.

    No small number of M. Gerome’s pictorial compositions are founded on his Eastern visits, which he has, if of a sufficiently picturesque character, chosen without respect to creed or nationality. We have here a scene in a Greek church, where a ceremonial is used surpassing in “pomp and circumstance” even the elaborate service of the Roman Church. The worshippers here are holding a solitary service, for there appears to be no priest or ecclesiastic of any kind present. These three figures really constitute the essence of the picture, the architecture and the decoration are very attractive in character, covered with hieroglyphics, appears by the side of what seems to be an altar. The rich dresses of the worshippers supply whatever is wanted in the way of color to impart interest in the painting.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, engravings, and lithographs are printing processes, which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates.  Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence.  This does not, however, mean that they are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.  Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, and lithographs are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one.  Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.