STEEL ENGRAVING – “THE STAR IN THE EAST” from the original painting by H. Warren, engraved by R. Brandard, and published in 1878. This engraving is in very good condition. The engraving measures 5 ¾” x 11”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

      An artist whose mind was not thoroughly imbued with true poetical feeling would not have attempted such a subject at this; or it might, perhaps, rather be said that only a painter so gifted could have made it what it is – a scene so picturesque in its simplicity and so impressive in its solemn quietude, as to invoke a feeling of religious awe.  In the hands of an ordinary artist a few camels, traveling along the arid desert, would have proved a very commonplace theme.  Mr. Warren has found the materials ample for a most attractive picture.

    St. Matthew alone, of the four evangelists, relates the history which has supplied the subject:--       

       “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

       “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

       “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them.”

    Biblical students have been at some pains to ascertain whence these wise men, or Magi, as they are generally called, came.  The term Magi was commonly used among Eastern nations to denote philosophers, and those who devoted themselves to the study of moral and physical sciences, especially astrology and medicine.  The wise men who went to Jerusalem to seek the infant Christ were doubtless philosophers of this description.  As they were constantly studying the face of the heavens, the star, or luminous body which appeared on this occasion, could not have escaped their notice.

     Other writers think they came from Arabia, because the gold, myrrh, and frankincense they presented to the object of their worship are productions of that country.

     Mr. Warren seems to incline to the Arabian side of the controversy.  The figures in his drawing are certainly of that country, and are passing one of its numerous deserts.  The painting was purchased by Queen Victoria from the New Water-Color Society of, which the artist was President, in 1850.

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.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING - First Class Mail $4.50