STEEL ENGRAVING – “CHRIST GIVING SIGHT TO THE BLIND MAN” from the sculpture by J. D. Crittenden, engraved by R. A. Artlett, published in 1878.  This engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 8 ¾” x 5 5/8”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

     Christ giving sight to the man who was born blind is described by St. John at greater length than almost any other of the miracles.  It has frequently been attempted to explain the miraculous action of Our Savior, by attributing them to physical agency; but philosophical theories are entirely useless in the case of giving sight to a man who never saw.  Human knowledge and skill might restore an injured part to health: but to create a sense where it had not previously existed, required more than human power for its accomplishment, and could only have been possible with the Omnipotent Creator of all things.  The Jews could not believe that it was the same man, and when the proof of his identity was too strong to admit of further doubt, they questioned him as to the method employed by Jesus to perform the miracle.  The means were very simple, – anointing with clay and saliva was a common practice among themselves; and the man could tell them nothing more, and could only repeat his testimony: “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I can see.”

    In Mr. Crittenden’s group, Our Savior is in the act of anointing the eyes of the blind man.  The noble head is bent, and the calm benevolent face is turned towards the man who is shortly to be made whole.  The pose is dignified, and the flowing lines of the ample drapery sustain the general harmony of the figure.  The blind man’s attitude is expressive of humility and trust, as he bends forward to receive the touch of Christ’s healing finger.  His faith is not complete; but he has doubtless heard of the miraculous cures performed on others, and readily submits to the divine physician with the hope that he also may be relieved of his most greivous affliction.  It is a fine conception on the part of the sculptor, who has modeled the half-keeling figure with great care.  The play of the limbs is accurately expressed, and the figure is altogether very effective.

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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