STEEL ENGRAVING – “THE CROSS OF PRAYER” from the original sculpture by John Bell, engraved by H.C. Balding, published in 1878.  This engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 10 ½” x 6 7/8”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

    The design in plaster for this work was exhibited in the mid 1800’s at the British Royal Academy.  The idea may have been suggested by a series of designs by Flaxman, of a similar nature; but the mode dealing with the subject is entirely original with Mr. Bell.  The work is one of the highest types of ecclesiastical ornament, and was evidently intended by the sculptor for the interior decoration of some church edifice.  The full spirit and extent of the Lord’s Prayer are completely illustrated by the six groups in bas-relief, which occupy the face of the cross.

     In the first, of lower, compartment, is represented the invocation to the Deity, the figures kneeling in the attitude of prayer: above it, a mother brings her two children to the Savior, in allusion to Christ’s declaration, “Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”  The uppermost compartment symbolizes submission to the Divine will.  The left arm of the cross shows an angel bringing bred to the hungry – “Give us this day our daily bread,” the corresponding arm the prayer for forgiveness of sins, is answered by an angel, “blotting out the handwriting that is against him.”  Evil spirits are contending for the possession of human souls: but the prayer “Deliver us from evil” is answered, and an angel with flaming sword has struck the destroyer prostrate.  The designs are of great merit as works of art, and are truly pure and exalted in their religious sentiment.

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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