This item is a steel engraving from the painting by D.W. Wynfield called “A VISIT FROM THE INQUISITORS.”  It was engraved by J. Godfrey and published in 1880.  The engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 6 1/8” x 10”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing. 

    Mr. Wynfield is a nephew of Sir David Wilkie, and much of the mantle of the genius of Wikie has, in a certain way, fallen upon the shoulders of his descendant: but whereas by far the large number of scenes painted by the distinguished Scotch artist were suggestive of mirth and merriment, Mr. Wynfield more often transfers to his canvases events of a solemn character. The terrible tragedies enacted under the sanction, and indeed by direction of the Holy Office, have been frequently the themes of English pictures: so, indeed, have most of the religious persecutions which have existed since the first and greatest martyrdom was performed outside the gates of Jerusalem on Mount Calvary.

   Mr. Wynfield, whose picture was exhibited at the London Royal Academy in 1874, introduced it in the catalogue with an anonymous quotation as follows: “The ministers of the Reformed Churches would pass secretly from household of the Protestants to preach, pray, and minister the sacraments. These were the occasion on which the ‘Holy Office” sought especially to discover and arrest suspected heretics.” The artist has here evidently striven - and it will, we think, be generally admitted that he has succeeded - to place in strong contrast the calm, comparatively unalarmed piety of the Protestants, and the crafty suspicions of the priests, guarded though they be by mailed soldiers. A sound of footsteps has awakened a feeling of alarm in one of the household the horrors of the dungeon and torture will surround these faithful people.

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.