STEEL ENGRAVING – “THE CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, ANTWERP” from the original painting by David Roberts, engraved by E. Challis, published in 1878.  This engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 10 1/8” x 7 ¾”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

    One of the most beautiful churches in Antwerp – a city famous for its magnificent specimens of Gothic architecture – is that of St Paul.  While it is inferior in size and beauty to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in the same city, it is a commanding and handsome structure, and fully merits the attention of the traveler in Belgium.  The interior, which is lofty and light in its style of architecture, is built almost entirely of marble, while a confessional contained in it, is reputed to be one of the finest specimens of wood-carving in Europe.  The view of the interior, selected by Mr. Roberts, shows the chancel, containing the choir, with its elaborately carved stalls, and the high altar of marble, surmounted by a figure of St Paul.  The loftiness of the building is displayed with admirable effect, as also is the lightness before mentioned, – a feature which distinguishes St. Paul’s from many similar edifices.  In the original picture, the bright polished surface of the marble, and the deep, rich tones of the woodwork appear in vivid and pleasing contrast.  The church is filling with a number of figures, in costumes of the seventeenth century, a period at which the church was in its highest state of grandeur.  The picture was exhibited at the British Royal Academy in 1849.

      David Roberts was born at Storkbridge, near Edinburgh, in 1796.  His parents were in humble circumstances, but managed to give their son a fair education, and when of suitable age, apprenticed him to a house-decorator.  Here, during seven years, he learned some of the elements of the art in which he was destined to become famous, when a taste for theatrical life led him to obtain employment as scene-painter, first at Edinburgh and Glasgow, and finally at Lane Theatre in London.  He attracted much attention by the unusual excellence of his scenery, and about the year 1822 he began to exhibit some pictures of architectural exteriors, which still further added to his reputation.  His first work exhibited at the British Royal Academy was a view of Rouen Cathedral, in 1826.  He continued scene painting, but managed to visit the Continent for purpose of study, during the intervals of his engagements in London.  In 1838 he was elected an associate of the British Royal Academy, and an academician in 1841.  He spent a great deal of time on the Continent painting and drawing, many of his views being afterwards engraved and published.  As age crept on he traveled less and sought for subjects nearer home, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, he was engaged upon a series of views of the Thames.  His art was scenic, his subjects picturesque architecture, giving all the splendor and magnificence of the ancient structures, enriched by groups of accessories.  His style was formed at the theatre during his earlier years, and some faults, which he then acquired, were never entirely corrected.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, etchings, 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.

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